The International Conference on Adoption Research (ICAR) was initiated in 1999 by Professor Harold Grotevant, holder of the Rudd Family Foundation Chair in psychology at the University of Massachussetts Amherst. His goal was to create an opportunity for researchers in the adoption field to meet up, network and learn more about each other’s research. Although there initially was no explicit intention of creating a sustainable event, the conference was so successful that a few years later, Professor Elsbeth Neil, from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK, decided to organize a second edition of ICAR in 2006. Since then, three more editions have taken place in different countries around the world (Netherlands, Spain, New Zealand). ICAR has become a key event for the international community of adoption researchers and academics. In July 2018, ICAR6 will take place in Canada for the first time, in the beautiful and very energetic city of Montréal. Also for the first time at ICAR, keynote conferences and some paper sessions will be offered in both English and French.

ICAR is an interdisciplinary scientific conference that brings together adoption researchers as well as other participants who share an interest in adoption research (graduate students, adoption organizations, practitioners, decision makers, etc.). Because of its format, ICAR is a unique opportunity to network and transfer knowledge in order to improve the well-being of adopted children, adoptees, and their families.

It is with great enthusiasm that I have volunteered to be Chair for the Sixth International Conference on Adoption Research (ICAR6), taking place in the heart of Montréal from July 8 to 12, 2018.

I still vividly remember my first experience at ICAR, in Leiden in 2010. I was a Ph.D. student at the time and felt privileged to have access to amazing researchers who all shared the same passion about adoption as I did! In just a few days of listening to conferences and paper sessions, sharing with other researchers at poster sessions, or simply chatting with all-star adoption researchers during lunches and tea breaks, I gained more knowledge than I could have in six months of reading peer-reviewed articles! It was clear to me then that I would never miss an ICAR and that this incredible event had to come to Canada. And 8 years later, here we are!

Like me, I hope you will discover (or confirm!) that ICAR is a unique opportunity to be part of an outstanding community of scholars, thinkers, and experts on the latest and most pertinent issues in the field of adoption. Everyone can bring a valuable contribution to the construction of knowledge that can improve policies, practices, and ultimately the well-being of all the members of the adoption triad. You certainly would not want to miss such an opportunity!

I am also very excited to welcome you to Montréal, a city that I had the chance to live in for 13 years when I was a student at Université de Montréal. I highly recommend that you extend your stay in order to enjoy the city’s numerous summer festivals (including the International Jazz Festival) as well as its world-renowned culinary scene. Montréal is a beautiful multicultural city that offers events and activities for every taste!

I hope you will enjoy ICAR6 in Montréal and I look forward to seeing you!

Geneviève Pagé, Ph.D., ICAR6 Chair