# International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies

The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies is a professional association established on March 2, 1985, in Washington, D.C. It aims to disseminate the state of the science as it pertains to the effects of trauma.

## History

The organization was originally named the Society for Traumatic Stress Studies when it was established at a meeting organized by Charles Figley and held in Washington, D.C. in March 1985. A foundational objective of the society was to publish a journal featuring scholarly work on traumatic stress. This was achieved in July 1986 with the creation of the Journal of Traumatic Stress, whose first issue was published in January 1988. The Society’s first annual meeting was held in Atlanta, GA in September 1985. In April 1990, the society’s name was changed to the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies to reflect its growing non-U.S. membership.
The first edition of its newsletter, StressPoints, which was published in 1986, started with an editorial commenting upon the diversity of opinion expressed in the press about the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, expressing hope that "very soon we can create a national media registry. This would include those most of us would agree are qualified to comment on the psychosocial consequences of traumatic events . . . We hope that by providing the media with a list of qualified experts, the level of public information about human response to catastrophes will be increased substantially.

## Mission

ISTSS is an international interdisciplinary professional organization that promotes advancement and exchange of knowledge about traumatic stress.
This knowledge includes:
* Understanding the scope and consequences of traumatic exposure,
* Preventing traumatic events and ameliorating their consequences, and
* Advocating for the field of traumatic stress.

## Strategic Plan

The ISTSS Strategic Plan outlines a clear vision and mission for the organization that identifies four major goals for the Society.

### Goal #1 - Research and Clinical Excellence

ISTSS promotes excellence in research, clinical practice, training, and public health related to experiences of traumatic stress.

### Goal #2 - A Diverse and Engaged Organization

ISTSS promotes professional, demographic, cultural and geographic diversity and inclusivity among our membership. We value different perspectives and create an atmosphere of, and opportunities for, respectful dialogue and exchange of ideas and experiences.

### Goal #3 - Global Impact

ISTSS supports efforts to increase the health and resilience of people and communities globally through the prevention of and response to traumatic stress.

### Goal #4 - Financial Strength

ISTSS’ financial strength provides for the overall economic health of the organization and funding of key priorities and opportunities in alignment with the mission.

## Annual Meeting

The ISTSS Annual Meeting is a global forum for professionals and researchers dedicated to understanding and addressing the impact of trauma. We bring together diverse perspectives to advance scientific knowledge, develop effective treatments, and inform public policy. By bridging the gap between research and practice, we aim to improve the lives of those affected by traumatic stress worldwide.
The ISTSS Annual Meeting provides a forum for the dissemination of theoretical work, scientific research, and evidence-based clinical approaches in traumatic stress studies. The annual meeting also includes work aimed at informing public policy. At the annual meeting, professionals and stakeholders develop and strengthen collaborative relationships to move the field of traumatic stress forward. It is an international and interdisciplinary assembly, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, counselors, researchers, administrators, victim advocates, journalists, clergy, and others with an interest in the study and treatment of traumatic stress.

## Awards

Each year, the society recognizes the achievements of its members and others dedicated to the field of traumatic stress studies, including students and professionals in research, clinical/patient care settings, media and advocacy. These awards celebrate the efforts of those who work to advance the understanding of trauma and its effects, and honor winners every year at the annual meeting:
Professional Awards
* Lifetime Achievement Award, given to an individual who has made great lifetime contributions to the field of traumatic stress.
* Allwood Award for Excellence in Trauma Services, recognizes and promotes excellence in trauma work being undertaken with underserved populations.
* Bela and Chaim Danieli Early Career Professional Award, recognizes excellence in the traumatic stress field by an individual who has completed his or her training within the last five years.
* Global Travel Award, to support Annual Meeting attendees coming from underserved regions of the world (e.g., lower- and middle-income countries; underresourced communities in higher income countries) and experiencing financial hardship with fees or travel costs.
* ISTSS Outstanding Service Award, recognizes a member of ISTSS who has made a significant and sustained contribution to ISTSS that has enhanced the Society and helped it achieve its goals.
* Mid-Career Innovation Award, given to an individual who has used innovative methods to advance the field of traumatic stress in the areas of prevention, research, treatment, teaching, policy and advocacy.
* Robert S. Laufer, PhD, Memorial Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement, given to an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution to research in the field of traumatic stress.
* Sarah Haley Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence, given to a clinician or group of clinicians in direct service to traumatized individuals.
* Underrepresented Scholars Membership Award, provided as an avenue for membership and organizational involvement for talented scholars from around the world who identify as Black and/or Indigenous professionals.
Student & Mentor Awards
* Distinguished Mentorship Award, honors and promotes the considerable efforts and accomplishments of individuals who consistently serve as effective mentors for students in the field of traumatic stress.
* Frank W. Putnam Trauma Research Scholars, presented to Student Members who submit proposals judged to have the greatest potential to contribute to the field of traumatic stress.
* Outstanding Student Achievement Award, recognizes the hard work and dedication of students and prizes a graduate student member of ISTSS who has made a significant contribution to the field of traumatic stress through research, clinical activity or advocacy.
* Outstanding Student Advocacy & Service Award, recognizes a student member of ISTSS who has made significant contributions in the field of public advocacy, clinical work, and traumatic stress at a local, national, and/or international level.
* Student Poster Award, presented annually to recognize excellent work in a poster submission to the annual meeting.
* Student Travel Award, presented annually to as a travel grant to students to support their participation and contribution to the ISTSS annual meetings.