On February 22, 2025, the International Society for Applied Chess (ISAC) participated in an International online Conference on the topic of "Researching Social Chess". The event was organized by the World Chess Organization - FIDE, on the occasion of declaring 2025 the "Year of Social Chess".
The conference brought together more than 80 researchers, educators, practitioners and chess enthusiasts who are exploring the contribution of chess to improving the quality of life, promoting social development, inclusion, empowerment and rehabilitation. Virtual rooms with social chess applications were set up for different target groups: chess for freedom (prisoners), chess for protection (refugees), endless chess (people with autism), chess for longevity (elderly people), chess for change and hope (underserved communities), chess for recovery (addictions and serious illnesses).
The Chairwoman of the Standards Committee at the International Society for Applied Chess, Prof. Sabine Vollstaedt-Klein, participated with a presentation on ‘Why chess is good for the brain and it can be helpful against addiction”. She presented her research and introduced the participants to the ideas and activity of the International Society for Applied Chess. The conference also includes the chairman of the ISAC – Radislav Atanasov Ph. D., who assessed the organization's participation in the FIDE initiative as the most important until now event. Councillor to Social Commission of FIDE and conference presenter – Mrs. Prabitha Urvyler, showed interest in the ISAC and desire for membership.
From headquarters of the ISAC in Pazardzhik was organized presence on site of members and sympathizers.