All the Way to South Korea: Reflections on the ISSBD 2026 Conference
Three years ago, if someone had told me that I would have the opportunity to present my research in South Korea, I would not have believed them. Nevertheless, that is exactly what happened. Between the 21st and 25th of June 2026, I participated in the 28th Biennial Meeting of the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development (ISSBD), held in Incheon, a city near Seoul. While this conference has a long and distinguished history, it was my first time attending, making the experience particularly memorable.
Connecting with the International Research Community
The ISSBD conference brought together more than 2000 participants from all over the world and featured presentations covering a wide range of topics related to developmental research across different disciplines. This variety gave me the opportunity to attend symposia and keynote speeches that went beyond the field of bullying research. Exposure to different research areas allowed me to gain inspiration and learn from scholars whose work, although distinct from my own PhD topic, is closely connected to my wider academic interests. Given my background in psychology, I found it both stimulating and enriching to engage with subjects that I had previously studied but I am not currently researching. It also made me reflect on the importance of remaining open to different fields and perspectives, as this openness is key to generating new ideas and advancing knowledge.
Despite its large scale, I was surprised by how familiar the conference felt. The days in Incheon provided an opportunity to reconnect with several researchers I had met throughout my PhD journey. This experience made me feel part of a larger international research community, representing something I greatly value. I also had the chance to meet many new and inspiring scholars from around the world, as well as to listen to researchers whose work I frequently cite in my own papers. There is something truly exciting about seeing in person the scholars whose research has informed my own work.
An Interdisciplinary Dialogue on Bullying and Belonging
Together with Giorgia Scuderi and Anastasiia Petrova, I represented the PARTICIPATE project at this international gathering, where we shared the findings we have generated through our work within this MSCA project. Specifically, I presented my research in the symposium titled “The Role of Social Differences and Belonging in Online Bullying and Discrimination Among Youth,” chaired by Professor Hildegunn Fandrem together with Associate Professor Dziuginta Baraldsnes from the University of Stavanger, who was also one of the presenters. Alongside her, the other presenters were Giorgia Scuderi and me from the PARTICIPATE project, and Senior Lecturer Ylva Svensson from University West in Sweden.
The aim of the symposium was to explore how belonging and social differences, such as ethnicity, gender, and religion, are related to experiences of bullying, cyberbullying and discrimination among youth. Bringing together different theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches, the presentations drew on surveys, interviews, and ethnographic research conducted in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Italy.
The diversity of perspectives represented in the symposium was one of its greatest strengths. Different approaches do not easily come into dialogue with one another, even though such exchanges are essential when addressing complex and multifaceted issues like bullying and cyberbullying. The symposium demonstrated the value of combining different ways of thinking and researching, highlighting how openness to alternative perspectives can enrich our understanding rather than limit it. This interdisciplinary dialogue provided valuable insights into how researchers can work together to better understand and address social challenges.
Looking Back on the Experience
When I boarded the flight to South Korea, it still felt unreal that my PhD journey had brought me there. Even after arriving, there were several moments throughout the trip when I paused and reflected on the path that had led me all the way to South Korea. These moments filled me with excitement, gratitude, and a profound appreciation for the opportunities that research can open up.
Incheon left a particular impression on me. The city sparked a sense of curiosity and wonder that stayed with me throughout my visit. During my time in South Korea, I also had the opportunity to explore Seoul, a vibrant metropolis that offered a constant stream of new experiences and stimuli. Being immersed in such an energetic environment fascinated me and filled my days with discoveries that engaged all my senses.
Participating in the ISSBD 2026 conference has certainly been one of the highlights of my PhD, broadening my sense of connection, inspiration, and curiosity. This refreshing and enriching experience has provided a valuable boost as I continue working towards the completion of my PhD journey.
Luisa Morello
