As healthcare continues to evolve beyond clinical interventions to include behavioural, cultural, and systemic dimensions of care, ACBS World Conference 2025 elevates a compelling group of global thought leaders exploring trauma, therapy, AI, and organizational transformation. The following featured speakers offer bold insights into how psychological science and inclusive practice are shaping the future of healthcare and human development.

“Human culture is early human cooperation writ large.” — Michael Tomasello

Michael Tomasello, Ph.D. – Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University

Dr. Michael Tomasello brings a foundational perspective to Premier Breakthroughs 2025 by examining the evolutionary roots of human cognition. As a professor at Duke University and former director of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Tomasello’s work spans developmental psychology, social cognition, and the study of primate behaviour. His pioneering research into cooperation, communication, and social learning reveals not only what makes humans unique but also how our abilities have evolved in tandem with those of our primate relatives.

In his keynote presentation, Tomasello explores the developmental building blocks of human collaboration and empathy—traits essential to both personal well-being and healthcare delivery. By comparing early childhood behaviour with that of great apes, he illuminates the psychological mechanisms behind shared intentionality, moral reasoning, and the capacity for cultural learning. His insights challenge healthcare leaders to consider how deeply rooted social and cooperative behaviours can inform the design of systems that rely on teamwork, trust, and mutual understanding.

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Russ Harris, M.B.B.S. – Physician, Therapist & ACT Trainer

Internationally renowned ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) expert Dr. Russ Harris returns to the Breakthroughs stage with a powerful message on psychological resilience. A former GP turned therapist, Harris is the bestselling author of The Happiness Trap and a globally recognized trainer, having taught ACT principles to over 80,000 professionals. His work emphasizes living with purpose, managing stress, and building flexibility in the face of adversity.

In his session, “Doing What Matters In Times Of Stress: ACT and the World Health Organization,” Harris unpacks how ACT has become an essential tool for mental health in a world increasingly defined by uncertainty. Backed by WHO-endorsed strategies, Harris provides clinicians and healthcare workers with real-world techniques to manage burnout, foster self-awareness, and reconnect with their core values—practices that are vital for both patient care and personal sustainability.

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Robert Johansson, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Stockholm University

Dr. Robert Johansson brings a trailblazing perspective to Breakthroughs 2025, bridging clinical psychology with artificial intelligence to explore what he terms “Machine Psychology.” Holding dual PhDs in psychology and computer science, Johansson pioneers the development of ethically adaptive AI systems that emulate human relational reasoning through frameworks like the Non-Axiomatic Reasoning System (NARS).

His talk, “Machine Psychology: A Contextual Behavioural Approach to Artificial General Intelligence,” delves into how psychological principles, particularly from contextual behavioural science, can inform the next generation of AI technologies. Johansson’s work challenges the healthcare and tech industries to ensure that AI development is aligned with human values, therapeutic insight, and mental health applications. His visionary approach offers a pathway to build AI that is not only intelligent but also emotionally intelligent.

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Alison Kitson, Ph.D. – Nursing Leader & Translational Scientist

A global leader in knowledge translation, Dr. Alison Kitson is reshaping how research informs daily clinical care. Best known for developing the widely adopted i-PARIHS framework, Kitson has authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications and is among the most cited researchers in her field. As former Vice President and Executive Dean at Flinders University, she also champions person-centred fundamental care as a crucial, yet under-researched, component of health delivery.

“The mind loves telling stories; in fact, it never stops.” — Russ Harris

In her presentation, “Promoting the Uptake of Contextual Behavioural Interventions: Observations from a Knowledge Translation Scientist,” Kitson explores how behavioural science can be practically implemented in clinical environments. She emphasizes the often-overlooked fundamentals of care—compassion, communication, and individualized attention—as key to long-term health outcomes. Her work through the International Learning Collaborative continues to push for system-wide recognition of these vital, human-centred care practices.

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Jennifer Shepard Payne, Ph.D., LCSW – Research Scientist & Cultural Therapist

Dr. Jennifer Shepard Payne offers a deeply resonant contribution to Breakthroughs 2025 with her work tailoring ACT therapy for African American communities facing racial and systemic trauma. A licensed clinical social worker and research scientist at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, she blends neuroscience, cultural sensitivity, and clinical innovation through her POOF™ model (Pulling Out Of Fire), a culturally responsive ACT intervention.

In her presentation, “Targeting Racial and Systemic Oppression: On Tailoring ACT for Black Trauma,” Shepard Payne details the development and impact of culturally grounded therapies that acknowledge the lived experiences of Black individuals. Her work stands at the intersection of research, advocacy, and healing, offering therapists and providers practical tools to address generational trauma with empathy and evidence. Her book, Out Of The Fire, is not just a guide—it’s a declaration of resilience and cultural affirmation.

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Conclusion

Together, these speakers reflect the evolving priorities in healthcare: equity, resilience, person-centred care, and ethical innovation. Premier Breakthroughs 2025 amplifies these voices to drive a more inclusive and adaptive future for health systems everywhere.

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