WADA invites stakeholders to the seventh International Conference on Novel Psychoactive Substances

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to invite stakeholders to the seventh International Conference on Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS). The event, which will take place virtually on 18-19 November 2020, is jointly organized by WADA, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), the International Society for the Study of Emerging Drugs (ISSED), the University of Hertfordshire, and the Centre for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE).

Under the UNODC definition, NPS are substances of abuse, either in a pure form or a preparation, that are not controlled by international conventions, but which may pose a public health threat.

The main objectives of the conference are to:

• Share evidence-based information on NPS and latest trends of use;
• Improve the understanding of clinical treatment and management of NPS use;
• Explore policy and legislative responses to NPS;
• Develop innovative prevention measures for vulnerable individuals;
• Share analytical approaches to NPS detection and identification;
• Understand the pharmacology and effects of NPS;
• Identify public health implications of NPS; and
• Explore motivations and socio-cultural factors underlying NPS use.

WADA Senior Executive Director, Science and International Partnerships, Olivier Rabin, said: “WADA is delighted to be co-organizing the seventh International Conference on Novel Psychoactive Substances. For a few years now, WADA – along with a number of international organizations and leading experts – has been taking an active role in trying to prevent athletes and the general public from being exposed to illegal drugs. This conference is a fantastic opportunity to exchange information and opinions with thought leaders from different areas of expertise in the ongoing fight against the distribution of Novel Psychoactive Substances in our societies.”

Stakeholders who are interested in attending the conference are invited to register on the conference website by 18 November 2020.

Should you have any questions regarding the conference, we invite you to visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.