STARTTS 2026 Annual Research Webinar
28 October 2026 | 9.30-11.30am AEDT | Free webinar | → Register Now!
Join leading Australian researchers, clinicians, and practitioners for STARTTS’ annual research symposium exploring the latest evidence shaping our understanding of refugee trauma, settlement, mental health and recovery.
Discover how advances in neuroscience and settlement research are deepening our understanding of the factors that influence refugee wellbeing after resettlement, and explore the implications for trauma-informed policy, clinical practice and service delivery.
HEAR FROM EXPERTS
Associate Professor Belinda Liddell – Professor of Psychology, University of NSW
Presents the latest neuroscience research examining how ongoing post-migration stressors, including visa insecurity, family separation, discrimination and social exclusion, affect brain functioning, trauma recovery and psychological wellbeing. Drawing on the latest neuroimaging studies, Professor Liddell explores the biological impact of uncertainty and what this means for future interventions and refugee mental health care.
Professor Tahereh Ziaian – Community Health Psychologist, University of Adelaide
Shares findings from a major international study examining the settlement experiences of refugee and migrant youth across Australia, Canada and the United States. Professor Ziaian highlights the key factors that promote successful settlement, social inclusion, wellbeing and long-term integration, together with practical recommendations to strengthen policy, services and support for young people and their families.
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN
- The latest neuroscience research on refugee trauma, recovery and post-migration stress.
- New evidence about how uncertainty and insecurity influence brain functioning and mental health.
- Insights into the factors that support successful settlement and long-term wellbeing for refugee and migrant youth.
- Practical implications for trauma-informed clinical practice, settlement services and policy development.
- Direct engagement in a live expert panel moderated by Jorge Aroche, STARTTS CEO and Clinical Psychologist.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This symposium is ideal for:
- Mental health professionals (psychologists, counsellors, social workers, psychiatrists)
- Settlement and casework staff supporting refugee communities
- Researchers, academics, and students in mental health, trauma, or migration studies
- Policy makers and program managers in health, community, or refugee services
- Medical and allied health practitioners working in multicultural or trauma-exposed settings
- NGO workers, human rights advocates, and humanitarian staff
- Anyone committed to trauma-informed, culturally safe refugee support
Associate Professor Belinda Liddel
Belinda Liddell is a Professor in the School of Psychology at UNSW Sydney, and an Australian Research Council Future Fellow. She is also Deputy Director of the Refugee Trauma and Recovery Program. Belinda’s research has focused on applying a psychological science lens to understanding refugee trauma, mental health and recovery. Belinda has the privilege of working in partnership with leading organisations such as STARTTS, Australian Red Cross, Settlement Services International, Foundation House and International Committee of the Red Cross on these research projects. Belinda’s research is funded by the Australian Research Council and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Professor Tahereh Ziaian
Professor Tahereh Ziaian is a Community Health Psychologist at the University of Adelaide, Visiting Professor at the University of New South Wales, and an affiliate of UNESCO RILA at the University of Glasgow. An internationally recognised leader in transcultural mental health and public health, her research focuses on improving the wellbeing of refugees, migrants and culturally diverse communities. She has led major national and international research projects, including the Australian Research Council-funded Rebuilding Life after Migration for Young Refugees and Migrants, which informed multicultural mental health policy and practice across Australia and internationally. Professor Ziaian also researches meditation and relaxation therapies and is committed to advancing inclusive practice through research, education and community partnerships.
Jorge Aroche
Jorge Aroche is a clinical psychologist and STARTTS’ Chief Executive Officer. Jorge was born in Uruguay and has worked with migrants and refugee survivors of torture and organized violence since before 1989, when he joined STARTTS. He has led the organization since March 1997, through some of the most challenging times for refugee services in Australia, helping STARTTS grow from a dozen staff to more than 200, assuming a truly state-wide role and becoming a world leader in this field in the process, while continuing to learn from its clients, its culturally diverse staff and the latest scientific advances. Jorge has also held a number of honorary positions in international humanitarian organizations, Australia government advisory bodies and NGO boards. He was the President of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) from 2016 until November 2020.
FORMAT AND INCLUSIONS
- Online delivery
- Presented by experts in the refugee trauma field
- Includes the latest research
- Claim 2 CPD points
- Receive a certificate of completion and a PDF of the presentation slides
- Free access to the webinar recording
SECURE YOUR PLACE NOW
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with timely, evidence-based research and contribute to the growing field of trauma-informed refugee support.
CAN’T ATTEND LIVE?
A full recording of the symposium will be made available to all registered participants after the event. Register now to ensure you receive access to the on-demand replay and watch at your convenience. The full catalogue of recorded webinars is available here.
CONTACT US
stts-training@health.nsw.gov.au
(02) 9646 6700 Ask for the Training Administration Officer