Speaking on nutrition and micronutrients, and their relationship with mental health, emotional regulation and behaviour. Professor Julia Rucklidge is a clinical psychologist and Director of Te Puna Toiora – the Mental Health and Nutrition Research Lab at the University of Canterbury. She is internationally recognised for her research in nutritional psychiatry and has published more than 160 peer-reviewed papers. Professor Rucklidge’s work examines the relationship between nutrition and mental wellbeing, with a focus on advancing scientific understanding through rigorous research. An experienced international speaker and award-winning academic, she is known for translating complex research into accessible, evidence-informed information for diverse audiences. She is committed to contributing to informed discussion about the role of nutrition in mental health through research, education, and public engagement.

Speaking on brain development, the impact of illness, injury and experience on children’s behaviour, and factors associated with recovery and resilience. Dr Rebecca Slykerman is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist working with children, young people, and their families following illness, injury, or disability. She is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland and works clinically in paediatric rehabilitation. Dr Slykerman has extensive experience supporting children and families navigating complex health conditions, including brain injury and cancer treatment. Her clinical and research interests explore how early experiences, stress, and medical challenges can influence brain development, learning, and behaviour over time. She is committed to sharing evidence-informed knowledge in ways that are accessible and relevant for families, and to contributing to improved understanding within health and education systems of the diverse needs and strengths of children living with health conditions or disability.

Speaking on social media, persuasive design, and the wider environments shaping young people’s wellbeing. Professor Antonia Lyons holds the Hugh Green Foundation Chair in Addiction Research at the University of Auckland and is Director of the Centre for Addiction Research. She brings a health psychology perspective to multidisciplinary research examining the social and environmental contexts that shape health-related behaviours. Her work has focused on alcohol use across different life stages and settings, with particular attention to young people, digital cultures, and digital alcohol marketing. More recently, her research has explored young people’s exposure to, and engagement with, the online marketing of harmful commodities, including alcohol and vaping products, within social media environments. Professor Lyons’ research contributes to broader understanding of how digital and social contexts influence wellbeing and health-related decision-making.

Speaking on suicide prevention, including risk and protective factors and how families and communities can respond early and safely. Dr Annette Beautrais is Suicide Prevention Programme Lead at the University of Canterbury. She has over 35 years of experience in suicide research, prevention, and education in New Zealand and internationally. Dr Beautrais has contributed to global suicide prevention initiatives through her work with the World Health Organisation, the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and the International Academy for Suicide Research. Her research interests include suicide prevention across the lifespan, with particular focus on young people, men, rural communities, means safety, suicide clusters and contagion. She is interested in the development and implementation of evidence-informed suicide prevention strategies and public health approaches.