The aim of her visit was to deepen international research collaboration in the field of suicidology, facilitate knowledge exchange, and develop global partnerships to strengthen prevention practices and improve understanding of suicidal behaviour.

Lectures and Expert Meetings at Oxford

At the University of Oxford—one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions—Profr. Poštuvan was hosted by the Department of Psychiatry and the Centre for Suicide Research, formerly led by renowned expert Professor Emeritus Keith Hawton. She delivered lectures on loneliness, suicide prevention systems, and postvention activities, and took part in professional meetings with fellow experts. The discussions focused on the development of suicide prevention practices in both the UK and Slovenia and emphasized the importance of adapting interventions to local contexts through effective inter-institutional collaboration.

(Photo: Prof. Poštuvan with Prof. Keith Hawton)

---

Visit to Manchester: Spotlight on Youth Mental Health

At the University of Manchester, Dr. Poštuvan collaborated with the Centre for Mental Health and Safety within the Division of Psychology and Mental Health. Her lectures and meetings focused on trends in suicidal behaviour among adolescents—an area that has become a key research focus for SCSR in recent years. Discussions addressed systems for recording suicidal behaviour, emerging trends, and systemic approaches to current social issues that are reflected in rising suicide rates. She also attended the UK’s National Suicide Prevention Conference.

 

(Photo: Prof. Vita Poštuvan with Prof. Navneet Kapur)

---

UCL: Loneliness and Its Link to Suicidality

At University College London (UCL), Dr. Poštuvan collaborated with the research network focused on loneliness, social isolation, and mental health. Within the Department of Psychiatry, she gave a lecture on the conceptual challenges in researching loneliness and its connection to suicidal behaviour. The expert group, led by Professor Alexandra Pitman, acknowledged the complexity of both phenomena. The discussions highlighted the importance of integrating research approaches and establishing shared objectives.

 

(Photo: Prof. Vita Poštuvan with Prof. Alexandra Pitman’s research group)

---

Middlesex University: Storytelling as Psychological Intervention

Dr. Poštuvan concluded her visit at Middlesex University, where she engaged in discussions with a research team led by Professor Liza Marzano. The central topics included ongoing research projects addressing suicidal behaviour in prisons, the use of personal storytelling as a psychological intervention, and support for particularly vulnerable subgroups within the population.

---

Building New International Collaborations

This visit to the UK enabled valuable networking and reinforced the collaboration between the Slovenian Centre for Suicide Research at UP IAM and some of the world’s leading research institutions. Dr. Poštuvan had the opportunity to work with internationally recognized suicidology experts, including Professor Keith Hawton, Professor Navneet Kapur, Professor Alexandra Pitman, and Professor Liza Marzano.

»This is a vitally important step in connecting Slovenian expertise and practice with global research achievements. Suicidology is a field that urgently requires interdisciplinary collaboration, international exchange of experience, and joint efforts toward more effective and compassionate approaches,« she emphasized at the conclusion of her visit.

---

About the Slovene Centre for Suicide Research

The Slovenian Centre for Suicide Research (SCSR) operates within the Andrej Marušič Institute at the University of Primorska. It is dedicated to the systematic study, prevention, and treatment of suicidal behaviour.

For more information, visit: www.zivziv.si and https://talks.ox.ac.uk/talks/persons/id/30909d8d-2221-4654-820b-194311e3aa2b