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

ASPHER 2026 Andrija Štampar Medalist - Professor Walter Ricciardi

15.05.2026

Webinar: Vax-Action Project addressing vaccine hesitancy across Europe

06.05.2026

Webinar: Public Health Competencies for the Future

06.05.2026

Webinar: Peace, polycrisis and public health - role, mission and mandate of health professionals

06.05.2026

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Member updates

03.06.2026

Migrations & emergency preparedness – the 4-th meeting of TFM&PH will be held on 24.06.2026

The upcoming meeting of the ASPHER Task Force on Migration and Public Health (online) will be held on 24th of June 2026, at 14:00 CEST Meeting’s title: Migrations and emergency preparedness – lessons to learn from the war in Ukraine and other ongoing crises Program: Introduction - Tomasz Bochenek, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; ASPHER, Brussels, Belgium Emergency adaptation of existing infrastructure to medical needs: the example of a medical evacuation hub - Adam Szyszka (1), Polish Center for International Aid (PCIA / PCPM), Warsaw – Rzeszów, Poland Questions and answers. Discussion on potential collaboration between PCIA and academics from ASPHER Key challenges for the healthcare system arising from migration processes in Ukraine - Svitlana Kalashenko (2), Bogomolets Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine International academic cooperation in the field of public health in the context of the migration crisis caused by the war in Ukraine - Ihor Hushchuk (3), National University of Ostroh Academy, Ostroh, Ukraine Questions and answers Discussion on the public health – related aspects of the ongoing war in Ukraine Conclusions and closing - Tomasz Bochenek (1) Adam Szyszka is Medevac Hub Team Leader, EMT PCPM Type 1 WHO Emergency Medical Team, Polish Center for International Aid (PCIA / in Pol.: PCPM). He manages the daily operations of the Medevac Hub Jasionka medical transit center, a project under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, supported by the Ministries of Health of Poland and Ukraine, and operated by the PCIA. He has been a paramedic for over 20 years, working in emergency medical teams, emergency departments, and on international rescue, training, and advisory missions. He is a member of the Medical Emergency Team of the PCPM Foundation. Since 2008, his professional experience has been further enhanced by work abroad, including in the USA, Chad, Nepal, Afghanistan, and other countries. More on the project and PCIA / PCPM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgkhQFsl_Vs&t;=4s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySMEiMJ7HWc https://pcpm.org.pl/en/ (2) Svitlana Kalashchenko, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Department of Emergency Medicine and Tactical Medicine, Bogomolets National Medical University, Ukraine. Her professional interests include public health, health emergency preparedness and response, CBRN preparedness, and health workforce capacity strengthening. She is actively involved in international projects and educational initiatives in cooperation with the WHO, CDC, and European partners. Bogomolets National Medical University is one of Ukraine’s leading medical universities, providing education and training in medicine and public health while actively engaging in international educational and scientific cooperation. Website of the Bogomolets Medical University: https://nmuofficial.com/en/ (3) Ihor Hushchuk (Igor Gushchuk) - Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Head of the NGO "UKRAINIAN ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH", Head of the Department of Public Health and Physical Education, Head of the Research Center "Human Ecology and Public Health Protection" of the National University "Ostroh Academy", which is the first institution of higher education in Eastern Europe on the territory of modern Ukraine (celebrates its 450th anniversary). Expert in public health, preventive medicine, biosafety, hygiene, and occupational pathology. Member of the UEMS (European Union of Medical Specialists) in public health; author and co-author of 253 scientific and practical works, and publications in fields of preventive medicine, biosafety, public health, and environmental protection. Editor-in-Chief of the professional journal "Public Health Journal" https://journals.ostroh-academy.rv.ua/index.php/publichealth For many years, Professor Ihor Hushchuk has been actively developing international cooperation in public health, medical education, and preventive medicine, contributing to the integration of the Ukrainian scientific community into the European academic space. Website of the National University of Ostroh Academy: https://www.oa.edu.ua/en/ Invitations to the meeting on Teams are sent upon request. See you soon! Tomasz

Jagiellonian University Medical College Tomasz Bochenek

05.05.2026

Students of the XX Europubhealth+ Master’s organise symposium on health and migration at EASP

The symposium “Ideas and Realities on Health and Migration: a perspective from Spain” was held at the Andalusian School of Public Health (EASP) in Granada on 27 April 2026. The event was organised by students of the XX Master of Excellence in Public Health – Europubhealth+, with the support of EASP. The symposium addressed key issues at the intersection of migration, public health and access to health services in Spain. The programme included contributions on health and migration in Andalusia based on evidence from the Spanish National Health Survey, the role of immigration in access to and use of the Spanish health system, and the methodological challenges involved in producing evidence on migrant health. The event also included a discussion panel, providing space for exchange between speakers, students and participants. Through this initiative, Europubhealth+ students contributed to a timely public health debate on equity, evidence generation and the need to better understand the health needs and experiences of migrant populations. The symposium also reflected the international, interdisciplinary and practice-oriented approach of the Europubhealth+ programme. The recordings of the symposium are available on the EASP event webpage: “Ideas and Realities on Health and Migration”.

Andalusian School of Public Health Victor de Haro

19.03.2026

Master the Art of Clinical Research Agreements – Join Our Expert Webinar

Are you navigating the complex world of clinical research contracts? Ready to level up your negotiation skills? Join us for an exclusive webinar: "How to Review and Negotiate Clinical Research Agreements Like a Pro" 📅 When: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (UAE Time) 📍 Where: Online via Zoom 🔗 Webinar Link: https://uaeu-ac-ae.zoom.us/j/84057734267 💰 Cost: FREE 🏆 CME Credits: 1 CME from UAEU🌟 Featured Speaker: Miss Wendy Sim – Clinical Research Consultant with over 15 years of proven expertise in global study start-up, regulatory submissions, and clinical research contracts. Learn insider strategies and best practices from someone who's been in the trenches! Moderated by: Mr. Ahmad Ziad Al Meslamani – Senior Lab Supervisor at Al Ain University & PhD Candidate at IPH Why Attend? ✅ Gain practical insights into contract review processes ✅ Learn expert negotiation tactics for clinical research agreements ✅ Understand regulatory and compliance considerations ✅ Earn 1 CME credit from UAEU ✅ Network with public health and research professionalsWhether you're a researcher, lab supervisor, public health professional, or involved in clinical trials, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate research agreements with confidence.

United Arab Emirates University Lore Leighton

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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

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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.