Rutgers School of Social Work Co-Hosts 2025 International Conference on Integrated Health and Social Work
The 2025 International Conference on Integrated Health and Social Work, held at National Taiwan University (NTU), brought together over 20 scholars from 12 universities across South Korea, Vietnam, Macau, the United States, and Taiwan. The two-day event served as a dynamic platform for advancing interdisciplinary research and collaboration in the field of integrated health and social work. Dr. Chen-Ling Hung, Associate Dean of the College of Social Sciences at NTU, opened the conference with a keynote address emphasizing the urgency and global relevance of integrating health and social work to address the complex and evolving needs of populations worldwide. She highlighted the importance of fostering interdisciplinary approaches to promote well-being in a rapidly changing society.
As a co-host, the Rutgers School of Social Work played a central role in shaping the conference. Rutgers faculty collaborated with NTU in planning the event’s theme, agenda, and objectives; selecting and organizing speakers, panels, and workshops; promoting the conference to a broader audience; facilitating meaningful networking opportunities; and contributing to post-conference evaluations and follow-up efforts. Rutgers faculty and students delivered eight presentations, showcasing innovative research on the integration of health and social work. Presenters included Dean George Leibowitz, Associate Dean Chien-Chung Huang, Karen Zurlo, Jamey Lister, Woojin Jung, Holly H. Lister, Makayla Davis, Danielle Sylvester, Julia Vallario, Elina Roychowdhury, Jamie Frank, and Daria Gordon.
The conference is tied to a forthcoming Special Issue on Integrated Health and Social Work in NTU Social Work Review, Taiwan’s top-ranked social work journal indexed in the Taiwan Social Science Journal Index. This special issue will further disseminate cutting-edge research and contribute to scholarly discourse, policy development, and practical applications in the field.
Reflecting on the event, Associate Dean for Faculty Development Chien-Chung Huang stated: “The conference brought together a global community of scholars to share innovative research and foster meaningful collaborations. By co-hosting this impactful event, Rutgers University School of Social Work had the privilege of advancing critical conversations and promoting actionable insights to enhance the integration of health and social work research worldwide.” He further noted: “This initiative represents a significant step toward enhancing academic and professional engagement in integrated health and social work. Through the international conference and special journal issue, we aim to contribute to knowledge dissemination, policy development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The project’s impact will extend beyond the initial timeframe, fostering continued dialogue and research in this vital area of study.”
