ISPCAN NEXT
The Future of Child Protection Starts Here
Network of Emerging eXpertise in child proTection
- A global network empowering early-career professionals in child protection.
- Connect. Learn. Lead. Make an impact.
About NEXT
Who We Are:
A supportive, global network of emerging child protection professionals.
Our Mission:
Equipping the next generation of global leaders in child protection with knowledge, connections, and tools to create a safer and more supportive world for children, now and in the future.
Shape the future of ISPCAN NEXT:
Bring your ideas and collaborate with us to plan engaging social networking and professional development events. Together, we'll create opportunities to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and build meaningful connections.
Why Join ISPCAN NEXT?
Global Connections
Network with early-career professionals, experts, and mentors worldwide.
Exclusive Learning and Professional Development
Access free and discounted webinars, training, and peer support.
Career Advancement
Get leads on job and funding opportunities and opportunities to present your work at the congress and virtually.
Cutting-Edge Research
Stay updated on the latest studies and best practices.
Collaborate & Innovate
Learn from others and work on global projects, research, and advocacy initiatives.
Make an Impact
Join a movement shaping the future of child protection.
Get Involved
How to get involved in
ISPCAN NEXT
Sign up for an ISPCAN Student Membership
Connect with the ISPCAN NEXT group on the member portal
Subscribe to the ISPCAN Newsletter and discussions in the member portal
Join the discussion, start connecting & grow your career!
Who Can Join?
If you're an early-career researcher, practitioner, or advocate in child protection, this network is for you! The NEXT group is open to active ISPCAN members only.
Upcoming Events
Inaugural Ask Me Anything Webinar
Connect with global experts in child protection to seek advice, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities in the field.
April 7th 2025
Writing Groups
Make progress on writing projects, data analyses, or other work-related tasks in a supportive, structured environment. Click on the link below to join!
Ongoing
NEXT Events at the Congress
Half-day pre-congress working group will offer a half-day workshop tailored to early career professionals. Option to attend additional networking and social events.
October In Vilnius
Congress Opportunities:
- Half-day pre-congress working group session
- Social activities at the congress
- Other congress activities TBD
Group Purpose and Summary
ISPCAN NEXT (Network for Emerging eXpertise in child proTection) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, member-driven community of early career professionals working to prevent child abuse and neglect globally. The goal of ISPCAN NEXT is to empower the next generation of leaders in child protection to create a safer and more supportive world for children, now and in the future.
We will offer a variety of activities and events throughout the year for early-career ISPCAN members, both online and during the annual congress. These activities will aim to help members grow professionally, connect with others around the world, build lasting friendships, and support their personal health and well-being. We are committed to equity, making sure all members can participate in this group regardless of their location, income, ability, or professional role. By embracing inclusivity, we strengthen our collaboration and enable everyone to contribute meaningfully to protecting children worldwide.
Conveners of ISPCAN NEXT
Elizabeth W. Perry, PhD, MPH
Georgia State University
Liz Perry is a Behavioral Scientist, ISPCAN NEXT Convener, and Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development in the School of Public Health at Georgia State University. She is passionate about enhancing child well-being globally by examining how positive and adverse childhood experiences shape health outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This understanding guides her work as she adapts and evaluates evidence-based parenting programs that empower families and support caregivers in creating more nurturing environments for children.
Beyond research, Liz works alongside NGOs, building capacity and supporting their program evaluation and research initiatives. She has collaborated with organizations like ChildFund International, the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, ThriveSS Inc., and the Starr Institute to develop evaluation plans for individual programs and organizations, enhance the visibility of programs through the dissemination of findings, and strengthen efforts to improve outcomes for children, families, and people living with HIV.
As an ISPCAN NEXT Convener, Liz is committed to fostering a supportive, collaborative network for early-career professionals in the field of child protection. She hopes to create a space where young professionals can connect, collaborate, learn from one another, and grow into the next generation of leaders dedicated to preventing child maltreatment and promoting child well-being globally.
She currently lives in Colorado Springs, where she enjoys hiking, birding, and spending time in nature—often with her partner and horse, Banana, by her side.
Christina Thurston
University of Edinburgh
Christina Thurston is a Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, working on the ERC-funded INTERRUPT_VIOLENCE project, a three-generational longitudinal study in South Africa. Her research focuses on applying quantitative methods to analyse large, longitudinal datasets, exploring causal risk and protective pathways from contextually sensitive adverse childhood experiences to later-life psychopathology.
Before transitioning into academia, Christina worked for a national children’s charity, case managing and supporting children and families who experienced adversity and trauma, as well as children with complex developmental needs. She has also worked with adults with complex trauma in community settings and secure residential settings.
Christina recently submitted her PhD in Social Work at the University of Edinburgh. She holds an MSc in the Psychology of Childhood Adversity (Queen’s University, Belfast) and an MA (Hons) in Psychology (University of Dundee).
As an ISPCAN NEXT convenor, Christina is deeply committed to encouraging an inclusive and collaborative space where early-career researchers and professionals can connect, grow, and contribute to the global movement to protect children. She is particularly passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion, advocating for safe and supportive spaces where everybody feels valued and empowered to contribute.
Outside of work, Christina enjoys living on the Scottish coast, where she takes grounding coastal walks and spends time with her partner, family, and dog.