The Kettil Bruun Society for Social and Epidemiological Research on Alcohol  was established in 1986 and originated in the epidemiology section of the International Council on Alcohol and Addictions (ICAA).

The purpose of the symposium is to provide a forum where researchers involved in studies on alcohol can exchange ideas about their ongoing research. The scope of the symposium includes studies of the determinants and consequences of drinking, drinking cultures and patterns as well as social and institutional responses to drinking related harms, prevention and care.

Empirical research, theoretical papers, and literature reviews are welcome. Social and epidemiological studies is to be interpreted broadly, as it includes research from a variety of disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, criminology, economics, history, and other sciences.

The aim of the organizers is to deliver the best KBS 2023 conference and offers an inspiring forum for researchers to discuss current research.

The 48th KBS Symposium is hosted by the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Humanities at University of Johannesburg.