5 th anniversary of the annual TiSSA Plenum August 29 to September 1, 2007 &
PreConference of the PhD-Network August 26 to 28, 2007 in Messina, Italy
Host Institution: University of Messina, Faculty of Educational Siences



During the 5th anniversary of The international Social Work & Society Academy (TiSSA) 2007 in Sicily, Italy, more than 130 colleagues from 22 countries and 3 continents joint and initiated a livly, inspiring and critical debate.

Together with the supervisors Prof. John Clarke (The Open University Milton Keynes, United Kingdom), Prof. Dr. Nadia Kutscher (KFH NW- University for applied Sciences Aachen, Germany), Prof. Dr. Walter Lorenz (Free University Bolzano, Italy), Prof. Dr. Aila-Leena Matthies (University of Jyvaeskyla- Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius, Finland), PD Dr. Heinz Messmer (Bielefeld University, Germany), Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Hans-Uwe Otto (Bielefeld University, Germany), Prof. Dr. Berardino Palumbo (University of Messina, Italy), Prof. Stephen Webb (University of Sussex, United Kingdom/ Research Institute for the Advanced Study of Humanity, Australia) about 50 PhD-students shared the ongoing development of social work research.

The Plenum jumped at the chance of a reflexive topic and reflects on the design of The international Social Work & Society Academy itself. Moreover, researchers, politicians and practicioners from the social services faced the challenge of a diverse society as professional, academic as well as educational task for social work. During 7 different field visits, Italian colleagues presented their way to cope the difficulties of migration, minorities and refugees.

Besides all the intensive debate, TiSSA 2007 was a wonderful meeting point for colleagues from all over the world - and a condign celebration of TiSSA's 5th anniversary.

Thanks to all participants and to the Messina team: let's do it again!