About AED

Who We Are

Founded in 1993, the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) helps physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nutritionists, academic researchers, students and experts through lived experience connect and collaborate with each other and keep abreast of recent developments in eating disorders research.



AED's main event is the annual International Conference on Eating Disorders (ICED), a scientific conference that spans research and education from basic science to cutting edge emerging research in the field. ICED is attended by both leaders and future leaders in the field of Eating Disorders from around the world.

Our Mission

The mission of the AED is to advance eating disorder prevention, education, treatment, and research by expanding the global community of committed professionals.

Learn more about AED's founding history.

Our Purpose

The purpose of the Academy for Eating Disorders is:

To promote the effective treatment and care of patients with eating disorders and associated disorders;

To develop and advance initiatives for the primary and secondary prevention of eating disorders;

To provide education and dissemination of knowledge regarding eating disorders to members of the Academy, other professionals, and the general public;

To stimulate and support research in the field;

To promote multidisciplinary representation and expertise within the Academy membership and its governing structure;

To advocate for the field on behalf of patients, the public, and eating disorder professionals;

To assist in the development of guidelines for training, practice and professional conduct within the field; and;

To identify and reward outstanding achievement and/or service in the field. 

AED Strategic Goals

  • Generate knowledge and integrate collective expertise about eating disorders
  • Provide platforms to promote understanding, sharing of knowledge, and research practice integration
  • Building capacity in the next generation of eating disorder professionals
  • Foster innovation and best practice by recognizing excellence in the field of eating disorders
  • Ensure that eating disorders are addressed on a unified global basis by building relationships around the world
  • Increase awareness among policy regulators and funders of the importance of eating disorders research and treatment
  • Build the capacity and sustainability of AED

Our Vision

A world without eating disorders through science and practice.