Dr Emiliana Tonini is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on integrating clinical, wearable, environmental, and genetic measures to understand pathophysiological mechanisms, with an aim to develop a personalised, early intervention, evidence-based model for mood disorders in youth. Emiliana was awarded a Circadian Mental Health Network ECR award to support her presentation and networking at the International Society for Bipolar Disorder conference in Iceland. You can read all about her conference experience below.
In February 2024, I was awarded the Circadian Mental Health ECR fund, which gave me the amazing opportunity to attend and present my research at the annual conference of the International Society for Bipolar Disorder (ISBD).
This year, for their 26th edition, the ISBD conference was taking place in Reykjavik, Iceland in the beautiful Harpa Centre. Attending the conference offered me a unique experience to be immersed in the latest research in bipolar disorder and to connect with experts in my field.
I had the opportunity to present my work as posters and received very valuable and constructive feedback. My first poster titled “Activation differentiates illness trajectories among youth seeking mental health care” discussed a project investigating data-driven, person-centred symptom profiles in youth and identified activation as a key feature to monitor for psychological well-being. My second poster presented a protocol for a study exploring the efficacy and acceptability of using blue-light blocking glasses to advance sleep phase in youth with depressive symptoms. It was especially inspiring to meet and exchange with Dr. Tone Elise G. Henriksen who is leading fascinating research using blue-light blocking glasses in bipolar disorder in Norway. In the future, we hope to collaborate to provide insights into the efficacy of this device in different populations.
The scientific program was packed with innovative and excellent talks. I was particularly amazed by one project led by Prof. Daniel Smith and Dr. Iain Campbell: Ambient-BD, where in co-design with lived experience experts, musical compositions are created using sleep and circadian data. Another highlight of the program was the networking opportunities. Notably, a “bingo” activity organised by the ISBD Early Mid Career Committee which facilitated discussions and help “break the ice” with other researchers. Next, the Women is Science panel hosted by Dr. Georgina Hosang and Prof. Ana Andreazza, where Prof. Mary Phillips and lived experience expert/author Sara Schley were interviewed about their journey, left me feeling motivated and part of big community.
Finally, I cannot provide an accurate summary of my experience at ISBD without talking about where it took place: Iceland. With fellow researchers, I had the opportunity to explore a little bit of this magical island: the Golden Circle, the Snaesfellsnes Peninsula, and the South Coast. From immense waterfalls to extremely windy glaciers, I will remember these beautiful landscapes for a while.
I am deeply grateful to the Circadian Mental Health Network for providing me with this amazing opportunity. I can confidently say that attending ISBD and presenting some of my research will help me progress in my career.
Blog by Emiliana Tonini
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