A Highly Successful 16th TRIPLE i in Suicidology Conference
Once again, the TRIPLE i: Intuition, Imagination, Innovation in Suicidology conference—organized for the 16th consecutive year by the Slovene Centre for Suicide Research (SCSR) at the University of Primorska, Andrej Marušič Institute (UP IAM)—was a resounding success. The event is held in memory of the late Prof. Andrej Marušič around the time of his birthday, with the main goal of encouraging intuition, imagination, and innovation in suicide research and prevention.
The two-day event took place virtually from May 28–29, 2025, and this year attracted 321 participants from 44 countries—many of whom would not have been able to attend a traditional conference due to financial or time constraints.
This year’s theme addressed the dilemmas of what to do—or what to avoid—when speaking with someone at risk of suicide. The discussion generated many valuable insights under the guidance of a distinguished panel of speakers, including Prof. Konrad Michel, Prof. Peter Gutierrez, Prof. Lorenza Entilli, Prof. Brian Mishara, Prof. Diego De Leo, Prof. Vita Poštuvan, and Dr. Meta Lavrič.
The conference was opened with welcome addresses by Prof. Diego De Leo and Prof. Vita Poštuvan of UP IAM SCSR, as well as Prof. Vito Vitrih, Director of UP IAM.
Over the years, the conference has evolved into an important hub for professionals in suicide research and prevention and a meeting point for dialogue between leading experts and emerging suicidologists. The program includes topics such as suicide research, clinical approaches, interventions, and encourages discussion on theories, prevention, and challenges in the field of suicidology.
Co-host Prof. Dr. Vita Poštuvan remarked:
“It’s difficult to offer a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, the speakers’ insights shared some common themes. We must approach such conversations with openness and without judgment, allowing the person in distress to feel that we genuinely care. If we address the topic of suicide more or less directly, it becomes easier to take the next steps, which include ensuring safety. Most importantly, instead of superficial advice or empty platitudes, we should offer the person a genuine, warm, reliable, and long-term relationship where they can share their (life) story. The same applies in cases where a suicide has occurred, and we are offering support to those left behind.”
We invite you to visit the online portal www.zivziv.si, where experts and individuals with lived experience write about mental health and suicide. If you are experiencing emotional distress, you can reach out to the following free support lines: TOM – Hotline for Children and Adolescents: 116 111 (free call, available from 12 PM to 8 PM) // Samarijan and Sopotnik Confidential Helpline: 116 123 (free call, available 24/7) // Mental Health Distress Line: 01 520 99 00 (available daily from 7 PM to 7 AM).
