2026 Conference Spotlight #2 – The Brain Skin Connection, Social Media and Dermatology

We know that psoriasis can have a significant psychological impact, and our second Conference Spotlight is all about the key conversations we’ll be having around this topic at this years’ event.

Our 2026 Annual Conference, taking place in Manchester on Saturday, 20 June, is open to all - whether you are living with psoriasis, are a healthcare professional, academic or have an interest in dermatology and psoriatic conditions.

Here’s who you’ll be hearing from on the day about the Brain Skin Connection, stigmatisation and dermatology:

Dr Elise Kleyn – The brain-skin connection

So much research into skin conditions is, understandably, only concerned with the skin itself – but there are many other factors to consider.

We can’t wait to hear more from Dr Elise Kleyn about her award-winning research focussed on the close anatomical and functional connection between the skin and the brain, which eventually aims to improve understanding of the brain-skin axis in health and disease.

Dr Kleyn proudly represents Manchester, where this years’ event is being held – she currently serves as Honorary Consultant Dermatologist and Clinical Senior Lecturer at The University of Manchester, Visiting Professor at the Institute of Medicine, University of Greater Manchester, and is one of five leaders of the tertiary Greater Manchester Psoriasis Service.

Emmanuel Toni – Stigmatisation and dermatology tips

As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Dermatology, a researcher and someone who has lived with psoriasis, Emmanuel (Mani) Toni’s unique perspective on psoriasis means his contributions to this years’ conference are not to be missed.

Mani is one of our supported PhD students, currently undertaking research at the Centre for Appearance Research that explores public understanding, misinformation and stigmatisation surrounding psoriasis. The overall aim of Mani’s PhD is to coproduce a social media based intervention to destigmatise the general public.

Mani will be speaking at two sessions – ‘Psoriasis and Stigmatisation’ and ‘Tips from a Dermatology Nurse Specialist’.

DISCOVERY LOUNGE HIGHLIGHT: Good Quality Information from The Psoriasis Association

Our expert team will be on-hand in ‘The Discovery Lounge’ – an interactive new addition to our annual conference.

Come along on the day and chat informally to our team, take away some of our certified trustworthy information sheets and ask any questions you may have about the variety of available treatments and how to access them.

How can I book my place?

Booking is now open - tickets are £15 for members and guests, and £25 for non-members and healthcare professionals.

Book your place!

What else can I look forward to?

Our upcoming spotlight articles will focus on how our 2026 conference covers the following key topics:

• People-focussed care
• The latest research and priorities
• Treatment updates

Keep an eye on our social media channels for exciting updates leading up to the event – in the meantime, the full series of presentations from last year is also available on our YouTube channel.