Last year we celebrated 10th anniversary of the Triple I – intuition, imagination and innovation – in suicide conferences. Back then, we were considering how to go on β what would be a good form to continue our wish to promote intuition, imagination and innovation in research and prevention of suicide and suicidal behaviour.
Due to the epidemiological situation regarding the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus, we had to cancel the traditional (face to face) TRIPLE i conference in March 2020. However, we still wanted to offer an opportunity for interaction and fruitful discussions between distinguished suicidologists and perspective young participants. For this reason, the event changed into a virtual one.
Triple i Virtual Conference was organised by Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, De Leo Fund Onlus and the International Association for Suicide Prevention. The conference took place from 16 to 19 June 2020 in the online environment Zoom. It was framed around a daily morning (10 a.m. CEST) and afternoon (4 p.m. CEST) sessions chaired by Prof. Diego De Leo and Assoc. Prof. Vita PoΕ‘tuvan. The speakers Prof. Keith Hawton, Ms. Vanda Scott, Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar, Prof. Navneet Kapur, Prof. Brian Mishara, Prof. Ella Arensman, Prof. Diego De Leo, and Mr. Joe Rafferty addressed a variety of topics, including the impact of COVID-19 on suicide.
The value this edition of the Triple I was not only the hosting of impressive speakers but also developing a feeling of connectedness of people interested in suicide research and prevention from different parts of the world although each of us staying at home. While taking a group photo, we captured moments of real lives: participants listening from their kitchens, living rooms, offices, some even around a bonfire. For some, it was late in the evenings, whereas others woke up very early to catch the live sessions. We all recognised a great value of being together at such an occasion. Letβs see how we can retain that in the future world and our Triple I events.
Vita PoΕ‘tuvan
