Emphasizing Diversity and Inclusivity in Occupational Science

In 2023, ISOS continued to innovate by organizing two virtual events. The first was themed "Transparency, Diversity, and Inclusivity in Occupational Science: An Unconferencing." This event not only provided a platform for diverse voices but also initiated the creation of  a 'Virtual Harvest’. The outcome of the virtual harvest was used to engaging the OS community in sourcing presenters and fostering discussions for the 2nd virtual events.

The executive board for 2023 included Liesl Peters, Rebecca Aldrich, Cassandre Lavigne, Mycheal, Rodolfo, and Isaac, who together focused on broadening the society’s reach and inclusivity.

New Beginnings and Global Outreach

On January 1, 2022, ISOS introduced a new logo, signifying a fresh identity and renewed commitment to its mission. This was followed by the launch of a revamped website on February 9, 2022, designed to provide better resources and support to its members.

Throughout the year, ISOS organized three significant virtual events under the theme "OS and Society: Critical Conversations About Current and Future Disciplinary Contributions." These events fostered discussions that highlighted the evolving contributions of occupational science to societal issues.

A landmark achievement in 2022 was the organization of the First World Occupational Science Conference in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, held from August 18-20. ISOS organized a workshop titled "Advancing Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science Dialogues and Collaborations through World Café” at the SSO-USA 2022, which aimed to foster global dialogue and collaboration.

Additionally, ISOS streamlined its operations by creating a PayPal account to facilitate financial transactions.

The executive board by the end of 2022 comprised Liesl Peters, Rebecca Aldrich, Nadine Blankvoort, Michael Sy, Rodolfo Morrison, and Isaac Amanquarnor, each playing a crucial role in the society's activities and governance

Strategic Transformation and Expansion

In 2021, the International Society of Occupational Science (ISOS) embarked on a transformative journey with the rollout of its strategic plan, which included comprehensive updates to the organization's website and logo. This year marked a significant expansion in the ISOS's executive structure with the addition of a pivotal new role - the Communications Lead, responsible for enhancing the society's social media presence and digital communications.

In an effort to bolster its digital presence, ISOS expanded its social media outreach by launching platforms on Instagram and YouTube. These channels were aimed at engaging a broader audience and facilitating more dynamic interactions with members and the general public.

The executive board members in 2021 were Liesl Peters, Rebecca Aldrich, Nadine Blankvoort, Natalia Rivas Quarneti, Suzanne Huot, and Isaac Amanquarnor. Their collective efforts were directed towards strengthening the society's strategic direction and enhancing visibility and engagement within the occupational science community.

In light of the global pandemic the ISOS board announced the deferral of the inaugural World Occupational Science Conference. The conference is now scheduled for August 25-27, 2022 with a pre-conference date on August 24. The conference will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.

The 2020 Annual General Meeting was held on November 17. There was a call for nominations from October 30-November 6, with voting open from November 7-13. The re-elected Board members taking on an additional term were Nadine Blankvoort (Netherlands), Natalia Rivas-Quarneti (Spain) and Suzanne Huot (Canada). A newly elected board member serving her first term is Liesl Peters (South Africa). We are delighted to have her join the board.

November 2019
The 2019 Annual General Meeting was held on November 7. There was a call for nominees from October 21-28, with voting open from October 30 to November 5. The newly elected Board member is Etsuko Odawara (Japan). This is Etsuko’s second consecutive term on the ISOS board and we are delighted to have her return.


August 2019
The ISOS board announced that the inaugural World Occupational Science Conference would take place from August 25-28, 2021 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.

May 2018
On May 22 the Board presented an interactive poster, entitled ‘Opportunities for Advancing Global Perspectives on Occupational Science’ at the World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress in South Africa. A PDF version of the poster is available here.


October 2018
In October the Board hosted a World Cafe style workshop at the ENOTHE Annual Meeting in Portugal entitled ‘Advancing global perspectives on occupation: discussing the contribution of a kaleidoscopic European perspective to a World occupational science conference’. The abstract is available here.

November 2018
The 2018 Annual General Meeting was held on November 8. There was a call for nominees from October 15-22, with voting open from October 23 to November 1. The newly elected Board member is Rebecca Aldrich (USA). Rebecca has previously served on the executive board and we are delighted to have her return. .

November 2017
The 2017 Annual General Meeting was held on November 20. As the term of 3 members of the Board had expired, there was a call for nominees 27 October – 4 November, then voting was open 6-16 November. The newly elected Board members are Suzanne Huot (Canada) serving her second term, and Natalia Rivas Quarneti (Spain) and Nadine Blankvoort (Netherlands), serving their first terms.

August 2016
A new strategic plan for 2016-2021 was developed by the ISOS Board. The document is titled Positioning for the Future.

September 2016
On 30 September, at the Third Joint Research Conference. ISOS convened a meeting for representatives of the various occupational science societies around the world and for other interested people to discuss the feasibility of holding a world occupational science conference.
These are the notes taken at the meeting.

November 2016
The 2016 Annual General Meeting was held on 20 November. As the term of 2 members of the Board had expired, there was a call for nominees 27 October – 4 November, then voting was open 6-16 November. The newly elected Board members are Etsuko Odawara (Japan) serving her first term and Susan Forwell (Canada), serving her second term. (Click here)

October 2015
The 2015 Annual General meeting was held on 30 October.

There was no need for elections.

November 2014
The 2014 Annual General meeting was held on 20 November. Three new Board members were required to replace 2 members whose terms had expired and one member who resigned for personal reasons. Four nominations were received and so a ballot took place.
The following three members were elected to the Board:

- Rebecca Aldrich (USA)
- Suzanne Hout (Canada)
- Alison Wicks (Australia)

They joined the incumbent Board members:

- Susan Forwell (Canada)
- Tomoko Kondo (Japan) 

October 2014
ISOS was one of the hosts of the Joint International Occupational Science Conference, 16-18 October, 2014, in Minnesota, USA. ISOS convened a workshop titled International connections in the study of occupation. There were 3 presentations at the workshop, moderated by Alison Wicks.

• Mapping the discussion about social issues and building international dialogues 

Ana Paula Serrata Malfitano, Lilian Magalhães, Elizabeth Townsend

• Critical occupational perspectives on societal issues: Reframing the problems of ‘population aging’

Elizabeth Townsend, Debbie Laliberte Rudman, Charles Christiansen

• Journal of Occupational Science: A means of advancing international connections for the study of occupation

Susan Forwell, Mandy Stanley, Shoba Nayar, Clare Hocking, Sandra Rogers, Birgit Prodinger

September 2014
The 4th online google discussion forum was held. The topic of the discussion was Developing occupational science as a critical and socially responsive discipline: Challenges and opportunities.

It was hosted by Western University, Canada and the facilitators were Lisette Farias, Debbie Laliberte Rudman & Lilian Magalhães.

There was much robust discussion, which was translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese. There was a significant increase in registrations from around the world prior to and during the forum.

​

July 2014
At the WFOT Congress in Yokohama, Japan, ISOS convened a workshop titled International connections in the study of occupation.
For additional information, refer to http://isos.nfshost.com/workshops.php for inform