Summary of the 3rd International Conference on Sensitivity Research

Introduction

On Friday, 23 May 2025, a community of academics, professionals, and interested members of the public gathered, both in person and online, to discuss the latest research on sensitivity.

Held at the University of Surrey, the 3^rd International Conference on Sensitivity Research was a full day conference comprised of a range of fascinating talks, informative academic posters, and a stimulating panel discussion, which were all dedicated to exploring the newest frontiers in sensitivity knowledge, and how this information could be applied to benefit the lives of highly sensitive persons (HSPs).

Invited talks: the nature of the highly sensitive brain and gut

Following a warm welcome by conference organisers, Professors Michael Pluess, Francesca Lionetti, and Corina Greven, the morning commenced with invited talks from global leading experts on sensitivity.

The prestigious opening keynote presentation was given by Professor Judith Homberg, who provided an overview of her neuropsychological research. Citing several of her own and other studies from a growing literature, Professor Homberg summarised the measurably different ways in which the highly sensitive brain operates, not only in humans but in other animals too, such as rats. These identifiable neurological differences provide excellent credibility to the idea that sensitivity is a biologically embedded trait that occurs naturally, throughout the animal kingdom.

The second invited talk was given by Dr Annalisa Setti, who explored the interesting intersection between sensitivity, health, and climate change. While many studies have shown that connecting to nature has a range of health benefits, Dr Setti has found that these benefits appear to be magnified in HSPs, who have a strong affinity to awe-inspiring natural spaces and animals. It comes as no surprise then, that HSPs are strongly motivated to take action against climate change, and thus sensitive individuals may be important ambassadors in the fight for climate and habitat protection.

The last of the invited speakers was Dr Shuhei Iimura, a pioneer in the investigation of sensitivity and the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is intrinsically connected to many aspects of our physical and mental health. Since sensitivity has been linked to similar physical and mental aspects of wellbeing, there is strong reason to suspect that the gut microbiome may be particularly important to HSPs. Dr Iimura’s early work has shown that HSPs are prone to gastrointestinal problems, but these can be strongly moderated by the degree of diversity in gut microbiota. Eating a wide range of unprocessed foods, including those rich in live cultures (like yoghurt), may be especially important for the general wellbeing of HSPs.

Speaker sessions: sensitive wellbeing across the lifespan

The afternoon sessions of the conference featured several short talks on specific sensitivity studies currently underway. These talks highlighted the growing breadth and depth of sensitivity research across all facets of life. In particular, areas of current interest include sensitivity in school and refugee children, along with parenting strategies to assist those that are highly sensitive.

General strategies for enhancing wellbeing amongst HSPs remain of paramount importance, and so substantial effort is being placed into studies on sleep, learning, and memory, loneliness, trauma, mental health, chronic pain, and post-traumatic growth.

In addition to all the research presentations, numerous academic posters were on display during the conference, and those fortunate enough to stroll amongst these posters witnessed the investigation of sensitivity in even broader contexts, such as leadership, software development, and burnout amongst healthcare professionals.

Panel discussion: sensitivity and mental health

The final hour of the conference was reserved for a deeper panel discussion on mental health in HSPs, chaired by Professor Michael Pluess. Academics and clinical professionals alike formed the panel, including Professor Corina Greven, Tom Falkenstein, Dr Elizabeth Roxburgh, and Dr Elena Lupo.

While HSPs do seem to carry a heightened risk for mental illness, the panelists emphasised the need for more objective and unbiased studies (e.g. those beyond self-report) to fully appreciate the extent of this burden. Particular attention was given to the factors that contribute to greater mental illness risk, such as the limited validation sensitive children may receive, and the various cultural and societal pressures unfairly stacked against HSPs, all of which serve as a reminder that HSPs are not themselves disordered, but rather they operate in an unfortunately disordered society.

Nevertheless, psychotherapeutic support for HSPs is expanding, as is public awareness, and thanks to research, many proactive strategies are now known to aid HSPs in maintaining good mental health including spending time in nature, connecting with other HSPs, self-awareness and self-acceptance, supportive friendships, and balancing active socialising with plenty of restful solitude.

Conclusion: farewell for now

Although many wished the discussion would continue for much longer, the steadily darkening skies finally brought an end to an enriching day of exploring sensitivity.

Nevertheless, attendees were quick to acknowledge that they had enjoyed first-hand experience of the advice suggested during the panel discussion – identifying, and spending time with other highly sensitive individuals (especially surrounded by the natural beauty of Surrey) had been a restorative and empowering activity!

We now look increasingly forward to the 4^th International Conference on Sensitivity Research in 2026, details of which will be available soon.