Science School for Healthcare Professionals

ISPAD recognizes the importance of supporting healthcare professionals (other than doctors) to have a scientific and evidence-based approach to their work. Since 2004, ISPAD has held a Science School for Healthcare Professionals (such as dietitians, nurses, psychologists, and social workers) who have or wish to develop a research interest in diabetes in children and adolescents. The Schools provide a foundation around research and are held immediately prior to, and in conjunction with the annual ISPAD conference.

ISPAD gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) for this important initiative.

22nd ISPAD Science School for Healthcare Professionals 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 ISPAD Science School for Healthcare Professionals!

The next ISPAD Science School for Healthcare Professionals will take place in person in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, immediately prior to the 52nd ISPAD Annual Conference. The Science School consists of two full days of classes during November 1st-2nd, 2026, plus a half-day on November 3rd. Participants will arrive on October 31st to attend a welcome dinner.

The Science School will give attendees an understanding around critiquing research, developing a research question, research methodologies, data analysis and writing of grant applications. Constructive discussion and feedback will also be provided on research projects currently being considered or undertaken.

To apply for attendance at the Science School, you must:

Be a practicing allied healthcare professional. Undergraduate students (i.e. training to be a nurse etc.) and Physicians are NOT permitted to attend.
Provide a copy of the primary qualification for the profession you are currently practicing in. An endorsement letter for proof of this qualification can be provided if the primary certification is unavailable.
Be a current ISPAD member at the time of application and commit to being an ISPAD member for at least two years following the Science School. Proof of current ISPAD membership is to be provided.
Provide a resume detailing your employment and research experience (no more than two A4 pages). This should detail any engagement with ISPAD activities.
Provide a video submission with your application (maximum of three minutes) detailing past research experience and training, and why you want to attend the Science School. Please send your video (and other application attachments if necessary) by using the free file transfer tool WeTransfer (email [email protected]).
Provide a brief research proposal for the research project you want to work on/develop during the Science School (please use the template provided here). Excluding the project title and details around research team members, this should be a maximum of 1000 words.
Provide a letter of endorsement from your Head of Department.
Detail if you have any research support for post the Science School to continue and finalize your project.
Have NOT previously attended an ISPAD Science School.

Any incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Should there be any problems in completing your application, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected].

If selected as a participant, ISPAD will cover (subject to limitations and conditions): the expenses for flights/travel, three nights of hotel accommodation, and all meals during the Science School for Healthcare Professionals. Participants who wish to attend the ISPAD 2026 Conference will also receive a free registration.

Application deadline: March 31, 2026

More Information about Past Science Schools for Healthcare Professionals (2004-2025).

The three day Science School is a foundation course in research methodology designed for allied healthcare professionals (dietitians, nurses, psychologists, and social workers) who have or wish to develop a research interest in diabetes in children and adolescents. They usually take place three days before ISPAD’s Annual Conferences.

2025 ISPAD School for Healthcare Professinals- Report- 21st SSHP.pdf

2024 ISPAD School for Healthcare Professionals- Report- 20th SSHP.pdf

2023 ISPAD School for Healthcare Professionals- Report- 19th SSHP.pdf

2022 ISPAD School for Healthcare Professionals- Report- 18th SSHP

2021 ISPAD School for Healthcare Professionals- Report- 17th SSHP.pdf

2019 ISPAD School for Healthcare Professionals- Report-16th SSHP.pdf

2018 ISPAD School for Healthcare Professionals- Report.pdf

2017 ISPAD School for Healthcare Professionals- Report.pdf

2016 ISPAD School for Healthcare Professionals- Report.pdf

2015 ISPAD School for Healthcare Professionals- Report.pdf

2011 ISPAD School for Healthcare Professionals- Report.pdf

2010 ISPAD School for Healthcare Professionals- Report.pdf

2008 ISPAD School for Healthcare Professionals- Report.pdf

The ISPAD Science School for Healthcare Professionals has a proud history of being hosted at recognized centers of excellence across the globe. Here is an overview of its venues from 2004 to 2007:

4th ISPAD Science School for Health Professionals - Berlin, Germany, September 23-25, 2007 by Alan Delamater, Sheridan Waldron
3rd ISPAD Science School for Health Professionals - Cambridge, UK, September 3-5, 2006 by Sheridan Waldron, Alexandra Greene
2nd ISPAD Science School for Health Professionals - Krakow, Poland, 2005 by Marg McGill, Sheridan Waldron
1st ISPAD Science School for Health Professionals - Singapore, 2004 by Marg McGill, Australia