February 2025 Issue

In this February 2025 Issue

Message From the President | Discover the Charm of San Antonio | Why San Antonio | DEI Update | CBT-Eating Disorder SIG Meeting | In Memoriam | New AED Members | ICED 2025

Message From the President



President, Academy for Eating Disorders
Unna Danner

Dear all,

In just over four months, our next annual International Conference on Eating Disorders (ICED) will begin and I will hand over the baton to our next president, my dear colleague Gry Kjaersdam-Telléus. Therefore, I am already writing my last ‘Message From the President,’ even though I feel like I am still in the middle of my presidential year. For me it has been a great year in which I have learned so much and met so many people, and I can honestly say that I am proud to be part of the AED community. The organization is flourishing with great new initiatives, and we are also in a better financial position (although this will continue to require our attention). Let's continue this path forward so we can further advance eating disorder prevention, education, treatment, and research.

The ICED is coming up from May 28-30, 2025 and I am looking forward to it! The conference will be held in San Antonio, Texas and the Scientific Program Committee co-chairs April Smith and Luz Scappatura have put together a wonderful program with the theme 'A brave new world - leveraging technology, applied science and innovative practice to advance the field.’ Registration is open and the program is now available and can be viewed here.

We realize and understand that there are also concerns about the conference location from some of our members. The LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, in particular, have reached out to the Board and shared their concerns around safety. We are aware of these concerns and certainly understand them, which is why we have gathered information that will hopefully address some of these concerns and explain why we chose this location.

Finally, I would like to draw attention to one of our new initiatives. As an organization, we strongly rely on volunteers in all our committees, task forces, and board. During meetings I get to see how passionate everyone is, and I find that very inspiring. Every year we are looking for new volunteers and we do so by means of our Call for Volunteers in the weeks leading up to the ICED. The Call has been done only by email in the past, but this year we thought you would enjoy an opportunity to get a better idea of what committee involvement entails by meeting and talking with our current committee members. During the ICED Welcome Reception on May 28, 2025, our committees will be represented and will be available to answer your questions and help you see how AED volunteerism can provide a valuable opportunity to build relationships in the field, further the goals of the Academy, and expand your horizons. I hope, of course, that many members will sign up and want to commit to working with us towards a world without eating disorders.

 

I hope to meet many of you in San Antonio.

Unna Danner

President, Academy for Eating Disorders

Discover the Charm of San Antonio 
by Arial Baker and Kay Watt

Arial Baker

Kay Watt

Experience San Antonio’s charm through its rich history and unique experiences. From the iconic River Walk and the world’s largest cowboy boots to cultural hotspots like the Historic Market Square and the La Villita Arts District.

Did you know that San Antonio’s story began in 1718 when it was founded by Spanish missionaries? Today, our city continues to celebrate its vibrant Mexican heritage, with 64% of our city’s population being Hispanic or Latino. San Antonio is one of only two UNESCO-designated Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the United States! It is also home to the Witte Museum, which features a replica of prehistoric cave art from the Lower Pecos River area, giving you a glimpse into ancient times.

Click here to read more about locals’ recommendations for San Antonio fun!

Why San Antonio Feels Like the Perfect fit for ICED 2025
by Eva Trujillo

San Antonio has long been a bridge between cultures, and this beautiful mix of histories and identities makes it the perfect spot for the International Conference on Eating Disorders (ICED) 2025. As someone who feels deeply connected to Latin America, I can’t help but appreciate how San Antonio’s location, rich Mexican heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and welcoming atmosphere make it a place where delegates from Latin America and beyond feel an immediate sense of belonging. The AED’s leadership has tried to bring the ICED to Latin America three times; each time these efforts were thwarted by outside events (e.g., the pandemic). There’s a palpable eagerness among Latin Americans to remain actively engaged in the AED community and truly feel like integral members. San Antonio fulfills that desire because it feels like Latin America to so many of us. The city’s demographic is majority Mexican or of Mexican descent, which naturally fosters a sense of belonging. San Antonio feels familiar to those from Latin America—not just because of the language, but because of the cultural landmarks, traditions, and flavors that remind us of home. That shared connection creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for Latin American delegates.

Choosing San Antonio for the ICED 2025 amplifies Latin American minority voices and ensures the programming reflects the rich diversity that exists within the AED. Equity and representation are ongoing conversations in our field, and San Antonio provides an ideal backdrop to continue these important discussions. I’ve often heard from students and professionals of color that they experience less discrimination in San Antonio than in other major U.S. cities with prestigious academic institutions. That says a lot about the open and accepting nature of this city.

For those traveling from Latin America or elsewhere, San Antonio feels like more than just a conference destination—it feels like home. The ICED 2025 will not only spark valuable conversations but will do so in a city that celebrates Hispanic culture, connection, and community. I truly believe attendees will leave San Antonio feeling enriched and embraced, and I’m excited for what’s to come.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Advisory Committee Update
By Lesley Williams

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee (DEIAC) is pleased to share updates on our recent work to support the AED. As an advisory body to the AED Board of Directors, we provide guidance on advancing accessibility, inclusivity, and equity within the organization. Our work is driven by the Board’s agenda, and we are committed to responding thoughtfully and effectively to their requests.


Reflective Work and Future Goals

In 2023, we used feedback from the prior AED member survey to provide the Board with actionable steps to help expand the organization’s membership and create a welcoming environment at our conferences.


Expanded Scholarships

Thanks to increased funding in 2024, the AED was able to expand scholarship opportunities to reduce financial barriers and foster greater ICED participation from underrepresented groups. This was a prior recommendation of the DEIAC, and we’re thrilled to see it come to fruition.


Recommendations for ICED 2025

With the ICED 2025 set to take place in Texas, we’ve proposed measures to address potential concerns and promote inclusivity:

  • Read the statement regarding 'Why San Antonio' on the ICED page which explains the venue selection.
  • Reach out to colleagues in Texas to see if there are opportunities to collaborate and support their work in the eating disorder field.
  • Promote the conference among local organizations.
  • Donate to the AED scholarship funds to provide access for all.


Seeking Member Feedback

Your feedback is vital. We welcome ideas from the membership. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable AED community.

 

In service,

The AED DEIAC

CBT-Eating Disorder SIG Meeting

The CBT-Eating Disorder special interest group is excited to announce our next meeting in the Ask the Experts series on Tuesday March 18, 2025 at 9:00am Central Time. Tiffany Brown from Auburn University will be meeting with us to discuss Promoting Resilience to Improve Disordered Eating (PRIDE), a novel ED treatment for sexual minority individuals.

In Memoriam: Joel Yager, MD

The AED is deeply saddened about the passing of our esteemed colleague and fellow International Journal of Eating Disorders board member, professor emeritus Joel Yager, MD, whose contributions to and legacy in the field of eating disorders, and psychiatry more broadly, cannot be overstated. Joel died after a prolonged period of severe illness on December 22, 2024.

Read more about Joel Yager, MD.

Welcome New AED Members! 

We are pleased to welcome 50 new AED members from around the globe! See the full list of new members here.

New Members

ICED 2025: Registration Opening Soon!


We are excited to connect with you again for ICED 2025 in San Antonio, Texas on May 28-30, 2025. This year’s theme, A Brave New World: Leveraging Technology, Applied Science, and Innovative Practice to Advance the Field, will inspire cutting-edge conversations and groundbreaking insights from leading experts worldwide.

Registration is now open! Secure your spot now and save! Early-bird pricing ends February 24!

Register for ICED 2025

We Invite You to Join the AED or Renew Today!

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Not a member? Our one-year introductory reduced rate is available to new members of AED or those returning to AED after a hiatus of five years or longer. Learn what an AED membership can do for you.

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