1st European Congress on Education and Training in Public Health - July 15-18, Milan

The Congress will incorporate the 2026 Deans' & Directors' Retreat and will be the highlight of ASPHER's 60th Anniversary celebrations! For six decades, the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) has stood at the centre of public health education and training in Europe. It has guided generations of leaders, academics, and practitioners, nurturing the discipline’s intellectual and institutional foundations. Throughout this history, the ASPHER Deans and Directors Retreat has served as a unique platform for reflection, exchange, and collective vision-building among heads of schools and programmes of public health. For this 60th Anniversary year, ASPHER will convene the 1st European Congress on Education and Training in Public Health stemming from this strong tradition. It aims to build upon and expand ASPHER’s long-standing mission: to strengthen the capacity and quality of public health education and to ensure that future generations of professionals are prepared to face evolving challenges. The initiative represents a natural evolution in ASPHER’s trajectory, translating its accumulated experience and thought leadership into a larger, more visible European framework. Members who would like to learn more about getting involved can contact us at community@aspher.org. We'll be happy to meet over zoom. Sign up with your email at the Congress website: Milan2026.ASPHER.org. The call for abstracts and registration will launch in December 2025. The Congress will welcome all to join, but there will be exciting advantages for our members. If your institution is not yet an ASPHER member, contact us to learn how to join so you don't miss out! Please share this announcement widely!

Welcome to the new ASPHER Community website!

30.09.2025

Now accepting applications: Riegelman GNAPH Fellow (part-time, remote

19.12.2025

ASPHER Position Paper on COP30

13.11.2025

Schools of Public Health drive Public Health Diplomacy at a key European Health Policy event

29.09.2025

CLIMATE-READY CLASSROOMS: A Public Health Faculty Development Course on Climate Change

29.09.2025

See all

Member updates

06.01.2026

FPH-Gaza branch has resumed the educational process and successfully held its first in-person exam.

The Faculty of Public Health - Gaza branch of Al-Quds University conducted the in-person Biostatistics exam at our temporary rented site, following the destruction of our previous building. This marks the first on-campus exam since the outbreak of the war on the Gaza Strip, reflecting our determination to sustain education and revive face-to-face learning despite ongoing challenges. The exam was supervised by Professor Bassam Abu Hamad, Director General of Programs at the Gaza Branch, with close follow-up from both academic and administrative staff. The session was marked by a high level of organization and commitment, while carefully considering the exceptional circumstances that our students are facing. Professor Abu Hamad emphasized that the return to in-person examinations represents an important milestone in the faculty's academic journey. He described it as a message of hope and resilience, reaffirming the continuation of the academic mission and our commitment to serving students. He also expressed appreciation for the dedication of the staff and the cooperation of the students in making this day a success. On the occasion of the first day of in-person classes, the faculty warmly welcomed students back, reiterating the University's commitment to providing a supportive and motivating learning environment.

Al-Quds University Hazem Agha

10.12.2025

50th Anniversary Scientific Session in Poznan

ASPHER Scientific Session in Poznan, Poland On November 24, as part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Health Sciences, an international pre-conference session titled “The preparation of healthcare professionals to operate in a context of increasing migration-related challenges” took place. The event was organized under the auspices of ASPHER (The Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region) by the team of the Laboratory of International Health (at the Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences). The meeting gathered researchers and public health practitioners from the United Kingdom, Portugal, Ukraine, Belgium, and Poland. Among representatives of Polish medical universities were, among others: Prof. Magdalena Kozela (Deputy Director of the Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University – Collegium Medicum; IZP UJCM) and Dr. Tomasz Bochenek (IZP UJCM, ASPHER Board Member), Prof. Łukasz Balwicki (Medical University of Gdańsk, National Consultant in Public Health). Special guests included: Prof. Henrique Barros (University of Porto), President of the ASPHER Board, Prof. John Middleton, President of The Global Network for Academic Public Health, Prof. Olga Andriichuk (Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University), Prof. Anatoli Hrynzovskyi (Bohomolets National Medical University), Robert Otok, Director of the ASPHER Office. The session was opened by Dr. Ewelina Chawłowska, Head of the Department of Preventive Medicine, who welcomed participants gathered in Hall C of the University Congress and Teaching Center, as well as those joining online (mainly representatives of universities from Ukraine and Portugal). Prof. Henrique Barros introduced the topic of migration in the context of public health, highlighting the competencies that graduates of public health programs and other medical professionals should possess. He also presented examples of ASPHER working groups implementing projects that support the development of science and teaching at the international level. Dr. Tomasz Bochenek discussed the current migration situation in Europe, with particular emphasis on Poland. Prof. John Middleton provided a global perspective on training requirements for future public health professionals. Dr. Mateusz Cofta presented a Polish example of academic engagement – the elective course “Refugee and Migrant Health in Practice”, conducted since 2012 at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The course, which uses high-fidelity simulation methods, is unique in Poland, as confirmed by the strong interest expressed by academic communities during the session. In the second part of the meeting, a discussion took place with active participation from all invited guests from Poland and abroad. The importance of scientific collaboration and the creation of joint initiatives to improve educational programs in public health was emphasized. The session highlighted the need for further academic development based on ASPHER networks. The university’s commitment to international collaboration was reflected in the initiative to establish an ASPHER working group focused on refugee and migrant health, proposed by the Kraków-Poznań team (Dr. Tomasz Bochenek, Dr. Ewelina Chawłowska, and Dr. Mateusz Cofta). The first meeting of the group, held in October this year, brought together 20 academics from Tanzania, the USA, the UK, Italy, Ukraine, and Poland.

Poznan University of Medical Sciences Lore Leighton

06.11.2025

Call for proposals: 2026 SSPH+ Annual Meeting

"Protecting Science – Protecting Health" is the motto of the 2026 SSPH+ Annual Meeting, hosted by the University of Fribourg on June 23-24, 2026. This theme highlights the essential role of scientific integrity, collaboration, and transparency in safeguarding both public trust and population health. It invites us to reflect on how protecting the foundations of science ultimately protects the well-being of societies. As in previous years, we invite you to propose topics for plenary or parallel sessions. Please submit your proposal using the template to mdavidovic@ssphplus.ch by November 30, 2025. We especially encourage early-career researchers to submit their proposals and contribute their perspectives and innovative ideas. Following the submission deadline, we will finalize a diverse and engaging program that reflects the breadth of public health research and education within the SSPH+ community. The Annual Meeting starts at 12:30 on 23 June 2026 (with apero/dinner in the evening) and ends on 24 June 2025 at 12:30. We look forward to receiving your inputs! Best regards, on behalf of the SSPH+ Directorate

Swiss School of Public Health | SSPH+ Lore Leighton

See all

Blogs by member affiliated individuals

Avi Magid

Haifa, Israel

The College of Law and Business

21.10.2025

EPH 2025: ASPHER-EUPHA-WHO Unique Forum Theatre Workshop

Join our ASPHER-EUPHA-WHO unique interactive workshop at EPH 2025 Helsinki, Finland titled: Protecting public health through global cooperation and advocacy defending WHO: forum theatre Time: Thursday, 13 November, 16:45 - 17:45 Workshop abstract You have just accepted an appointment as Head of National Public Health Association in your country. As your staff briefs you on your new realm, you realise that your country’s government is considering to follow the US and to withdraw its membership in the WHO. How would you consider to act? To advocate and protect public health? Description: In light of growing populist and nationalist movements questioning the legitimacy of international health institutions, this workshop offers an immersive experience that blends theatre and strategic thinking. Participants will explore the political, societal, and ethical tensions surrounding national withdrawal from WHO through forum theatre and roleplay, in a simulated parliamentary setting. A. Setting the Stage The session opens with an introduction to WHO, adapted from our “Strengthening Public Health Advocacy” webinar (April 2025). It highlights WHO’s critical roles—from setti ng global standards and supporting health systems to coordinating pandemic responses and driving equity. We will screen provocative video clips such as the Israeli Parliament hearing where a public health expert is shouted down, to illustrate how emotionally charged and politicised the health space has become. B. Forum Theatre Simulation 1. Role Assignment As participants enter, they receive a colour-coded role card representing one of three groups: o Pro-WHO / Pro-Public Health (Green): you are a member of parliament committed to international cooperation o Undecided / Politically Ambivalent (Yellow): you are a parliamentarian who is open but uncertain. You can be politically ambivalent, pragmatic, or distracted. o Anti-WHO / Pro-Sovereignty (Red): you are a member of parliament who believes in national sovereignty. You receive money from harmful industry to defend their commercial interest through lobbies or personal interest. Each card outlines their position, a few arguments, and questions to raise. Participants read it silently and prepare their stance. 2. Opening Performance Two former politicians, Charlotte Marchandise and Ricardo Mexia, perform a short scene as parliamentarians debating WHO membership—one defending continued membership, the other calling for withdrawal. The tone is lively and confrontational. 3. First Parliamentary Vote Participants vote on whether to stay or leave WHO based on their assigned role. 4. Interactive Debate Participants are invited to take the floor, improvise, replace an actor, or defend their stance. Audience reaction is encouraged to recreate the mood of real parliamentary debate. 5. Second Vote After interventions, a second vote takes place. Has the room shifted? C. Conclusion with panelists We close with a panel debrief formed of the speaker, parliamentarians, and one of the authors of the EUPHA-ASPHER WHO advocacy toolkit, and reflections on how to tak e these advocacy lessons into national and local settings. We call on participants to act, disseminate, and stand up for multilateralism in health.

Lore Leighton

Brussels, Belgium

20.10.2025

Kidical Mass – public health in action on the streets of Brussels

Your ASPHER Secretariat is not only working for public health as our regular workday, but we also make efforts to improve health in our local community outside of the office! Here in Brussels, my family helps organise regular bike rides with Kidical Mass. Kidical Mass is an initiative aimed at promoting an inclusive and accessible cycling culture for young people and their families, with key missions focused on getting them on the bike, supervised learning to cycle in the city, social cohesion at the municipal level, and strengthening cycling culture and sustainable development. In collaboration with citizens, associations, and local authorities, Kidical Mass supports (future) cyclists at every stage of their journey: learning to ride from a young age, traveling safely and confidently, adopting cycling in everyday life, and inspiring those around them to do the same. Kidical Mass rides are an opportunity for children to practise riding on public roads and cycling paths, taking advantage of visibility and safety in numbers. They create awareness of children's mobility rights and promote the idea that kids should be able to go by bike to school or to their leisure activities, calling for safer cycling infrastructure. The Brussels Kidical Mass started in 2020 and organises festive cycling events for children to encourage more children (and parents) to get around by bike. Accompanied by music along the way, we cycle to the children's rhythm and respect the traffic rules. Our approach is inclusive and supportive with over 5500 participants in Brussels Kidicals in 2024. We find tailor-made solutions for children in need or with disabilities and we help children/parents without a bike find their own for a small budget or even for free. By being visible on the streets of Brussels, the Kidical Mass promotes a more child-friendly city in a fun way while reiterating our demands: respect for the 30 km/h zone, secure school areas, the creation of family-friendly bike parking (longtails, cargo bikes), and more separate bike lanes. Kidical Mass rides take place in cities around the world so look out for your local event or consider setting up your own Kidical if your city is not yet involved. Kidical Mass grew out of the Critical Mass movement which is a form of direct action in which people travel as a group on bicycles at a set location and time to call for proper and thoughtful design in the safety of all road users, including those who would prefer to walk and cycle, instead of prioritising motor traffic above all else. Do you have a fun or interesting activity contributing to public health – either as part of your work or leisure? Why don’t you tell us about it with your own blog here at ASPHER! Register as a user and start posting! Lore Leighton ASPHER Secretariat

See all

The ongoing ASPHER website update serves two purposes:

Rebranding

The first is part of the corporate rebranding of ASPHER to bring a fresh look to the face of the Association. This includes the new modernised ASPHER logo, adopted at the ASPHER General Assembly in June of 2024. It echoes the past logo, keeping the graphical element of public health academics working with hearts and minds to improve the population’s health.

Online community

The second is to create a member driven ASPHER online community where individual users affiliated with ASPHER member schools (heads of schools, faculty, students and alumni) will be able to interact with each other, network and share their work, join and participate in ASPHER groups, and so much more – expanding together to unlock the ASPHER Community’s full potential!

Please provide your feedback!

Feedback form

We want the new ASPHER website to work for you. What do you think about it so far? What functionalities and resources would you like us to add / prioritize? Send us your ideas for how you think the website could better serve the public health schools community.