Events by International Society for the Study of Drug Policy ISSDP

The ISSDP Global Drug Trends Networking Forum is a premier evening event designed to foster connections between the diverse groups involved in the study and implementation of drug policy. Located in the vibrant setting of The Broadway in Bradford, this forum provides an informal yet professional atmosphere for the exchange of ideas and information. As the landscape of global drug markets shifts with technological advancements and changing social attitudes, staying connected with a broad network of peers is essential for anyone working in this field. This event departs from the traditional lecture format, instead prioritizing structured networking and brief, high-impact "lightning talks." These talks will cover a range of topics, from the emergence of darknet markets to the economic implications of legalizing certain substances for medicinal use. The goal is to spark conversation and encourage participants to think beyond their immediate areas of expertise. For instance, a researcher focusing on criminal statistics might find valuable perspective from a technology professional working on secure communication platforms, or a local business leader interested in the economic health of the city. Bradford’s status as a diverse and growing economic hub makes it an ideal location for a forum that considers the business and economic dimensions of drug policy. The event will attract a wide range of professionals, including legal experts, data scientists, and representatives from NGOs. This diversity of thought is central to the ISSDP mission, as the society believes that the most effective drug policies are those informed by a wide spectrum of evidence and experience. In addition to the professional benefits, the forum offers a chance for the ISSDP community to celebrate the progress made in drug policy research over the past year. Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served, providing many opportunities for organic conversation and the building of lasting professional relationships. Attendees will leave the event with new contacts, fresh perspectives, and a deeper understanding of the global trends that will shape the future of drug policy.

This one-day seminar organized by the International Society for the Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP) focuses on the vital intersection of public health initiatives and drug policy reform. Held at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford, this event aims to bring together healthcare professionals, social workers, and policy researchers to discuss the most effective strategies for reducing the harms associated with substance misuse. The seminar will highlight recent studies that demonstrate the success of health-led interventions over traditional punitive measures, providing a platform for local Bradford health leaders to share their successes and challenges. The morning sessions will delve into the clinical aspects of drug policy, examining how legislative changes directly affect the delivery of frontline medical services. Guest speakers from the ISSDP international board will present global data on harm reduction programs, offering a comparative look at how different nations manage the health consequences of drug use. This comparative analysis is crucial for understanding which models might be successfully adapted to the UK context, specifically within northern industrial cities like Bradford. The afternoon will be dedicated to interactive breakout groups, allowing attendees to discuss specific local issues such as the opioid crisis and the rise of synthetic substances. These discussions are designed to generate actionable insights that can be fed back into both local council strategies and national policy recommendations. The seminar emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, recognizing that drug policy is as much a health issue as it is a legal or social one. By providing a forum for open dialogue between researchers and practitioners, the ISSDP Seminar ensures that policy remains grounded in the realities of clinical and social work. Attendees will gain a comprehensive overview of current trends in drug-related health outcomes and the evidence-based strategies being developed to address them. This event is a must-attend for anyone involved in the planning or delivery of substance misuse services in the West Yorkshire region.

The International Society for the Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP) is proud to announce an intensive two-day research workshop hosted in the heart of Bradford. This event serves as a critical bridge between academic inquiry and practical policy application, providing a focused environment for researchers to refine their methodologies and share preliminary findings in a peer-reviewed setting. As global drug landscapes continue to shift, the need for robust, evidence-based analysis has never been more urgent. This workshop is specifically designed to facilitate deep-dive discussions into the socioeconomic impacts of current drug laws and the potential outcomes of alternative regulatory frameworks. The first day of the workshop will focus on quantitative and qualitative data collection challenges within the field of drug policy. Participants will engage in collaborative sessions led by senior ISSDP fellows, exploring how to navigate complex data sets while maintaining ethical standards. Bradford’s unique urban demographic provides a compelling backdrop for discussing localized policy interventions and their broader implications for national and international frameworks. By examining case studies from both the UK and international jurisdictions, attendees will gain a multifaceted understanding of how data influences legislative change. On the second day, the focus shifts toward the dissemination of research and its influence on stakeholders. Moving beyond the publication of papers, this session explores how researchers can effectively communicate findings to government bodies, healthcare providers, and the general public. There will be dedicated time for "work-in-progress" presentations, where junior researchers can receive constructive feedback from established experts in the field. This nurturing environment is a hallmark of ISSDP, fostering the next generation of policy analysts and social scientists. The Richmond Building at the University of Bradford provides the ideal setting for this academic exchange, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative atmosphere. Attendees will leave with a strengthened network of international colleagues and a toolkit of advanced research strategies. Whether you are a doctoral candidate or a seasoned policy advisor, the insights shared during these two days will be invaluable for your future contributions to the study of drug policy.

The International Society for the Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP) is proud to announce an intensive two-day research workshop hosted in the heart of Bradford. This event serves as a critical bridge between academic inquiry and practical policy application, providing a focused environment for researchers to refine their methodologies and share preliminary findings in a peer-reviewed setting. As global drug landscapes continue to shift, the need for robust, evidence-based analysis has never been more urgent. This workshop is specifically designed to facilitate deep-dive discussions into the socioeconomic impacts of current drug laws and the potential outcomes of alternative regulatory frameworks. The first day of the workshop will focus on quantitative and qualitative data collection challenges within the field of drug policy. Participants will engage in collaborative sessions led by senior ISSDP fellows, exploring how to navigate complex data sets while maintaining ethical standards. Bradford’s unique urban demographic provides a compelling backdrop for discussing localized policy interventions and their broader implications for national and international frameworks. By examining case studies from both the UK and international jurisdictions, attendees will gain a multifaceted understanding of how data influences legislative change. On the second day, the focus shifts toward the dissemination of research and its influence on stakeholders. Moving beyond the publication of papers, this session explores how researchers can effectively communicate findings to government bodies, healthcare providers, and the general public. There will be dedicated time for "work-in-progress" presentations, where junior researchers can receive constructive feedback from established experts in the field. This nurturing environment is a hallmark of ISSDP, fostering the next generation of policy analysts and social scientists. The Richmond Building at the University of Bradford provides the ideal setting for this academic exchange, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative atmosphere. Attendees will leave with a strengthened network of international colleagues and a toolkit of advanced research strategies. Whether you are a doctoral candidate or a seasoned policy advisor, the insights shared during these two days will be invaluable for your future contributions to the study of drug policy.

The International Society for the Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP) is a vibrant network of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of drug policy. The 2026 Bradford assembly serves as a critical interdisciplinary forum for evaluating the effectiveness, socio-economic impacts, and public health outcomes of drug policies globally. This year’s theme, "Bridging Evidence and Social Justice," focuses on the intersection of drug policy with community safety, human rights, and recovery-oriented systems. Attendees will engage in a rigorous exchange of ideas through keynote addresses from world-renowned experts, peer-reviewed paper presentations, and interactive workshops. The conference aims to foster high-quality drug policy analysis and improve the interface between researchers and those responsible for designing and implementing policy. By hosting this event in Bradford—a city with a deep-rooted history in social reform—the ISSDP highlights the importance of local community voices in the global drug policy debate. The program includes dedicated sessions on the "Global South," innovative methodological approaches to drug market analysis, and the evolving landscape of harm reduction in the 21st century.

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