Wednesday 22 July 08:15
- 09:45
Hall: 10 - Palazzina 2
Chair and Presenter:
Szmidka Alicja
Division: Division 15: Students and Early Career Psychologists
In a time when mental health, social inclusion, and trust in science are among Europe's most urgent challenges, the voices of young psychologists are more crucial than ever. The European Federation of Psychology Students' Associations (EFPSA) unites psychology students from 30 countries into the largest and most diverse network of its kind. Since 1987, EFPSA has empowered generations of students to connect science with practice, to advocate for societal change, and to develop the skills needed for the future of psychology.
This symposium will present EFPSA's unique structure and mission, illustrating how student-led initiatives can generate measurable impact on communities and the discipline itself. Presenters, coming from different countries and holding diverse roles within EFPSA, bring unique perspectives that highlight the value of cross-cultural collaboration and student-driven innovation. The session will provide an overview of EFPSA's Social Impact Initiative (SII), which coordinates Europe-wide campaigns on mental health (Mind the Mind), inclusivity (Better Together), resilience (A(live!)), sustainability (PlanetA), and the power of kindness (Organised Acts of Kindness). The session will also highlight EFPSA's education opportunities, such as its Training Office, Research Programme, and the Journal of European Psychology Students (JEPS).
The final presentation will synthesise key learning points and outline EFPSA's future plans, including expanding advocacy for psychological literacy, strengthening collaboration with professional organisations, and fostering global engagement of psychology students.
Through these contributions, the symposium will demonstrate how EFPSA applies psychology to societal challenges while preparing the next generation of psychologists to be both scientifically competent and socially responsible - in line with the mission of IAAP and the aims of ICAP.
