05.02.2026
This is the final ASPHER Newsflash for January. We are really pleased with the positive Member response to these updates and we hope you enjoy the regular updates! Please reach out if you’d like to learn more, get involved, or share your news. ASPHER 60TH ANNIVERSARY & MILAN2026 ASPHER 1st European Congress on Public Health Education and Training - Milan2026 Abstracts Submission and Registration is ongoing for the ASPHER 1st European Congress on Public Health Education and Training, 15-18 July in Milan! Secure your place and contribute your work! Submit your abstract and register here! ASPHER Research Excellence and Early Career Excellence Awards - call for nominations ASPHER is calling for nominations for the 2026 Research Excellence and Early Career Excellence Awards. The deadline to make your nomination is Tuesday 31 March. If you are interested in making a nomination, contact community@aspher.org. The Research Excellence Award recognizes outstanding achievements in public health research. It is given annually to an individual affiliated with an ASPHER Member School. Nominations are made on behalf of their research team. The Early Career Excellence Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of teaching, research, or practice of early career individuals. It is given annually to a maximum of five individuals that are primarily affiliated with an ASPHER member school. MEMBER NEWS Let the ASPHER community know what is happening at your school! Send your news and events to lore.leighton@aspher.org. Congratulations to the International School of Public Health at Tbilisi State Medical University on the occasion of their 95th anniversary The School of Public Health of Tbilisi State Medical University turns 95 this year! During the rich history of the School, many innovations have been introduced in the educational and scientific field, textbooks have been created, research has been published, and faculty members and students have been involved in international and European projects and exchanges. An anniversary conference will be held on May 7-8, 2026 in Tbilisi, Georgia. Learn more about the history of TSMU here. ISPED International Summer School Isped organises an International Summer School in collaboration with the Inserm U1219 Bordeaux Population Health research centre at the University of Bordeaux. This annual event is a unique opportunity to meet public health researchers, experts, and practitioners in a context that encourages exchange and reflection. The 2026 edition will take place from June 1st to June 19th, 2026. Three main themes will be covered: (i) Biostatistics and Data Management; (ii) Epidemiology and Clinical Research; (iii) Prevention and Public Health. Learn more and register here by 31 March. Welcome to new ASPHER Member Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor ASPHER is pleased to warmly welcome a new Member institution, the Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Maribor (UM FHS) in Slovenia! UM FHS implements educational and scientific research work in the field of nursing and health sciences. We look forward to UM FHS contributions to the ASPHER Community. Learn more about the UM FHS here. NEW AND NOTEWORTHY Happy 90th Birthday Ted Tulchinsky ASPHER Congratulates 2008 Andrija Štampar Medalist Theodore (Ted) H. Tulchinsky on his 90th birthday this month! Ted is a true public health hero and a dear friend and colleague within the ASPHER Community. Happy Birthday Ted! Here’s to many more! Defining a Field and Building A Human Rights in Patient Care Community: Judy Overall’s Legacy Judy Overall’s dedication to making health care truly healing and protective of rights for both patients and providers led her to define the field of Human Rights in Patient Care (HRPC). Rooted in inherent human dignity, HRPC complements bioethics, focusing on systemic issues and the role of the state and bringing procedures for accountability and enforcement. Judy not only pioneered a new field but built a global community and imbued it with heart. Read Tamar Ezer’s tribute to Judy Overall here. Call for Papers: Public Health Diplomacy in a Complex World Strengthening Public Health Diplomacy requires multidisciplinary approaches and cross-sector training to prepare public health professionals who can effectively communicate, facilitate, negotiate and build consensus using systems thinking, evidence based, community-informed approaches to improve health and well-being for all. This ASPHER-led joint IJPH and PHR special issue calls for interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research from across the globe. Learn more and submit your paper here.
29.01.2026
Every year, Isped organises an International Summer School in collaboration with the Inserm U1219 Bordeaux Population Health research centre at the University of Bordeaux. The Aim: To provide up-to-date knowledge of the main public health methods and practices applied to different contexts around the world, in order to tackle major health issues. → This annual event is a unique opportunity to meet public health researchers, experts, and practitioners in a context that encourages exchange and reflection. The 2026 Edition The summer school will take place from June 1st to June 19th, 2026, at Isped / Bordeaux School of Public Health (except for online modules). Three main themes will be covered: Biostatistics and Data Management Epidemiology and Clinical Research Prevention and Public Health Each module is an independent course, but it is possible to combine several modules in order to deepen your knowledge in one or more areas. Target Audience The summer school is aimed at professionals wishing to improve their skills or further their training, and may be of interest to Master's and PhD students. Key Information → Registration: until March 31st, 2026 → Click here to view the programme Contact: isped.fc@u-bordeaux.fr
27.01.2026
ASPHER Secretariat is pleased to bring you our 3rd weekly Newsflash! Be sure to reach out to the secretariat to learn more, get involved, and share your news. ASPHER 60TH ANNIVERSARY & MILAN2026 ASPHER 1st European Congress on Public Health Education and Training - Milan2026 Abstracts Submission and Registration are open for the ASPHER 1st European Congress on Public Health Education and Training, 15-18 July in Milan! Secure your place now! Submit your abstract and Register here! Both the Milan2026 Organising and Scientific Committees already met this year and are working hard on the practicalities and to bring you an exhilarating programme! Stay posted for more! Andrija Štampar Medal - call for nominations ASPHER is calling for nominations for the 2026 Andrija Štampar Medal. Each year, this honour is conferred upon a distinguished person for excellence in the field of Public Health. Don’t miss out on sending your nomination during this exceptional anniversary year! The deadline to make your nomination is Tuesday 31 March. Contact community@aspher.org to register your interest. MEMBER NEWS Let the ASPHER community know what is happening at your school! Send your news and events to lore.leighton@aspher.org. Andalusian School of Public Health: Andalucía presents Granada and EASP to host the State Public Health Agency Granada has formally presented its candidacy to host Spain’s new National Public Health Agency, under the motto “Granada is public health”, positioning the city as a leading hub for public health intelligence, innovation and capacity‑building. The proposal offers an immediate start of operations at the Andalusian School of Public Health (EASP), acknowledging the School’s more than 40 years of experience and over 130 professionals working on surveillance, risk assessment and communication, emergency preparedness, health equity, social determinants, One Health and global health. Read more here. Europubhealth+, European Public Health Master: Apply now to choose European Excellence for your Career in Public Health Europubhealth+ is a two-year, full time multidisciplinary programme granting an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree supported and recognized as a Master of Excellence by the European Commission. The programme is coordinated by the Ecole des Hautes Études en Santé Publique (EHESP), France and includes study opportunities at seven other renowned European universities. Deadline to apply is 25 March 2026. Learn more and apply here. Swiss School of Public Health+: SSPH+ Lugano Summer School in Public Health The Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+) hopes you will join them for the 35th year of mutual learning for change during the Lugano Summer School. It will meet on-site in Lugano and online from 17 to 22 August 2026! At the SSPH+ Summer School in Public Health Policy, Economics, and Management in Lugano, practitioners, researchers, and graduate students come together from all over the world for a unique learning experience focused on public health impact. Learn more and enroll here. NEW AND NOTEWORTHY Announcing new ASPHER Working Structures sSPHERE: small State Public Health Education for Resilience & Equity Working Group addresses inequalities in education, research and academic visibility in public health in smaller countries, promoting peer-to-peer collaboration for capacity building, accessibility and international visibility. Migration & Health Task Force: The task force aims to provide a collaborative space and a platform for cooperation for those members of ASPHER who are interested in undertaking and developing joint international education/training and research in the area of migrant and refugee health. ASPHER working structures will be under review during the first half of 2026 - stay tuned for updates reinvigorating what is on offer! Reach out to community@aspher.org if you are interested in engaging with any ASPHER Working Groups or Task Forces. Global Consortium on Climate & Health Education: Upcoming courses and community of practice. ASPHER is happy to inform our members about upcoming free online courses (open to all) offered through GCCHE and the European Community of Practice (ASPHER members only) offered through GNAPH and GCCHE. Climate Medicine - A Clinical Training Program for Healthcare Educators: A comprehensive programme designed to support clinical faculty and practicing clinicians in developing the knowledge, skills, and practical tools needed to integrate climate-responsive principles into medical education and day-to-day clinical care. Tuesdays 19:00 - 20:30 CET/Brussels time, March 3 - May 12. Learn more and register interest here. The Eastern Mediterranean Climate and Health Responders Course: The course will be offered in English, with simultaneous interpretation in Arabic and French. Wednesdays 15:00 - 16:30 CET/Brussels time, February 11 - April 29. Learn more and register here. Last Call for European Climate and Health Community of Practice (CoP) Facilitation Lead: ASPHER is making a last call for applicants for the CoP Facilitation lead for Europe. Expressions of interest from faculty and teaching staff wishing to be part of the European CoP will remain open. The CoP will run for five months starting in April 2026. Learn more here and contact lore.leighton@aspher.org to register your interest. Calls for abstracts: EHMC2026 and DPH2026 European Health Management Conference 2026: Showcase your research to a wide audience of academia, researchers, health managers, healthcare professionals and policymakers in Barcelona, Spain from 10-12 June at the annual EHMA conference. Deadline: 26 January. Learn more and submit your abstract here. 11th International Digital Public Health Conference: Don't miss your chance to present your research, insights, or innovative work in Digital Public Health at DPH2026, taking place 24–26 June in Barcelona, Spain. Deadlines: Main track extended to 28 January; Student Track, Posters & Demos Track 11 February. Learn more and submit your abstract here.
21.01.2026
Granada has formally presented its candidacy to host Spain’s new National Public Health Agency, under the motto “Granada is public health”, positioning the city as a leading hub for public health intelligence, innovation and capacity‑building. The proposal offers an immediate start of operations in a provisional headquarters at the Andalusian School of Public Health (EASP), followed by a definitive move to the refurbished former San Cecilio Clinical Hospital, where up to 300 highly qualified professionals would work in over 6,000 square metres of dedicated space. The bid underlines Granada’s mature and densely interconnected ecosystem, which brings together the University of Granada, the Biosanitary Research Institute, the Health Technology Park, CSIC institutes, the Andalusian public health biobank and a wide network of university hospitals and primary care centres, all strongly oriented towards evidence‑informed policy and practice. A central asset is EASP itself, with more than 40 years of experience and over 130 professionals working on surveillance, risk assessment and communication, emergency preparedness, health equity, social determinants, One Health and global health, in close collaboration with European, Latin American and Mediterranean partners. This long‑standing expertise in training, applied research and international cooperation aligns closely with the core missions envisaged for the National Public Health Agency and offers immediate synergies with ASPHER’s priorities. The candidacy also highlights Granada’s quality of life, accessibility and support measures for staff mobility, including assistance for professional integration, family relocation and access to education, health and social services, aiming to create an attractive and sustainable environment for the future workforce of the Agency.
19.01.2026
ASPHER office is pleased to bring you another Newsflash! Be sure to reach out to the secretariat to learn more, get involved, and share your news. ASPHER 60TH ANNIVERSARY & MILAN2026 ASPHER 1st European Congress on Public Health Education and Training - Milan2026 Abstracts Submission and Registration are open for the ASPHER 1st European Congress on Public Health Education and Training, 15-18 July in Milan! Secure your place now! Submit your abstract and Register here! ASPHER Teaching & Practice Excellence Award - call for nominations ASPHER is calling for nominations for the 2026 Teaching & Practice Excellence Award. The aim of the award is to promote excellence in public health education and training by encouraging ASPHER member schools to share their best practices and success stories. Don’t miss out on sending your nomination during this exceptional anniversary year! Deadline for nominations is Tuesday 31 March. Contact community@aspher.org to register your interest. MEMBER NEWS Let the ASPHER community know what is happening at your school! Send your news and events to lore.leighton@aspher.org. University of Zurich: 4th International Meeting on Teaching Epidemiology - 19-20 January The 4th International Meeting on Teaching Epidemiology is hosted by the Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI) of the University of Zurich from 19-20 January. Three innovative teaching workshops are planned on Teaching Epidemiology When GenAI Is in the Room; Embracing a Creative Classroom: Active Learning and Critical Thinking; and Learning by Doing: A Full-Day Simulation of Epidemiology in Action. Learn more here. UK Faculty of Public Health: Europe Special Interest Group Joint Meeting and Online Events The Europe Special Interest Group of the UK Faculty of Public Health (co-Chaired by Prof Alison McCallum, University of Edinburgh; and Prof Judit Simon, Medical University of Vienna) will hold a joint meeting on Continuing Professional Development with overseas members on 20 January. Contact alison.mccallum@ed.ac.uk to join the meeting. The UK Faculty of Public Health has a series of upcoming online events open to non-UKFPH members. Recordings are usually made available to those who register, but cannot attend the live event. See the schedule of events and register here. Congratulations Tiago Correia! New Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Public Health ASPHER heartily congratulates Tiago Correia, Associate Professor of Global Public Health at the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University Lisbon on his appointment as Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Public Health. In addition to his extensive academic and leadership experience at the intersection of public health research, policy, and practice, ASPHER welcomes his focus on workforce capacity as head of the WHO Collaborating Centre on Health Workforce Policy and Planning, vice-president of EUPHA and IANPHI workforce sections, and member of the Board of Directors of EHMA. Prof Correia also currently coordinates a consortium of ASPHER Members on the EU4Health programme funded VAX-Action project aiming to reduce vaccine hesitancy through evidence-based interventions. NEW AND NOTEWORTHY XiA Open Learning Session on 22 January on cybersecurity and interoperability in the European Health Data Space (EHDS) Through ASPHER Digital Public Health Task Force, ASPHER is an associated partner to the XiA Project addressing challenges of interoperability in digital health within the EHDS. As Europe moves towards large-scale health data sharing, this XiA open learning session (15:00-16:00 CET, 22 January) focuses on preparing professionals to anticipate risks, secure systems, and build trustworthy data ecosystems. Register for the learning session here. 18th World Congress on Public Health - Call for Abstracts Deadline 31 January The Call for Abstracts deadline is fast approaching for the 18th World Congress on Public Health. ASPHER will be there for continued 60th Anniversary celebrations under the GNAPH umbrella. Join us for WCPH in Cape Town, South Africa from 6-9 September! Submit your abstract here by 31 January. ASSETS Public Health Mentoring Summer School, week of 6 July - Save the date ASPHER’s Mentoring Summer School (ASSETS) will be held during the week of 6 July 2026 hosted by the Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, University of Zagreb School of Medicine. Watch for the official announcement soon! Interested early career professionals should contact assets@aspher.org.
13.01.2026
Happy New Year! We hope everyone has had a restful break and you are ready to dive into 2026 - ASPHER’s 60th anniversary year! For our new year resolutions, the ASPHER office is aiming to bring you a weekly newsflash to keep you up to date on everything that is happening! Please reach out to the secretariat to learn more, get involved, and share your news. ASPHER 60TH ANNIVERSARY & MILAN2026 ASPHER 1st European Congress on Public Health Education and Training - Milan2026 Abstracts Submission and Registration are open for the ASPHER 1st European Congress on Public Health Education and Training! Make sure to be there! Submit your abstract and Register here! ASPHER 60th Anniversary Book - call for contributions As part of the 60th Anniversary year celebrations in Milan and under Prof Henrique Barros Presidency Agenda we will be presenting a special anniversary book with Member reflections on public health in their countries and the roles schools of public health have played. We’ve already received many expressions of interest - please be in touch with the secretariat to showcase your school’s perspective and the local/country context! Contact community@aspher.org to register your interest. MEMBER NEWS Let the ASPHER community know what is happening at your school! Send your news and events to lore.leighton@aspher.org. Center-School of Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine, Sts. Cyril and Methodius University: Public Health Forum - Celebrating 20 Years of Membership in ASPHER The Center–School of Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine, University Sts Cyril and Methodius in Skopje hosted a Public Health Forum on December 15, 2025, in the amphitheater of the Faculty of Medicine, marking the 20th anniversary of its membership in ASPHER. Participants adopted the Public Health Declaration 2026–2035, outlining key principles and priorities for the next decade for both the Teaching-Scientific Council for Public Health and the Center–School of Public Health. Read more here. Faculty of Public Health, Al-Quds University: 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. Read more here. Angela Boškin Faculty of Health Care: 19th international scientific conference: Stable and accessible healthcare systems in times of resource scarcity - call for abstracts We are pleased to invite you to submit abstracts (deadline 27 January) and later scientific papers in the fields of health and social care for the 19th international scientific conference: Stable and accessible healthcare systems in times of resource scarcity. The conference will be held in Bled, Slovenia on June 4th, 2026 to develop discussions on creating and consolidating conditions for the stability and accessibility of health systems in times of resource scarcity. Read more here. NEW AND NOTEWORTHY ASPHER Survey consultation on Climate & Health needs for sub-national policymakers As part of a capacity building project with the European Climate and Health Observatory, ASPHER has developed a survey to analyse gaps and training needs in climate-health topics among decision makers responsible for climate change adaptation at the sub-national level.If you have local municipal and regional contacts, we need your help - we have a ready to go dissemination message. Time is of the essence to spread this widely and quickly! Contact lore.leighton@aspher.org if you can help out. Call for European Climate and Health Community of Practice (CoP) Facilitation Lead and faculty member participants GNAPH and GCCHE are teaming up to develop CoPs in Climate Change and Health Education for the Regional Public Health Schools' Associations. ASPHER is calling for applicants for a CoP Facilitation lead for Europe and expressions of interest from faculty and teaching staff from ASPHER member institutions wishing to take part in the European CoP. Learn more here and contact lore.leighton@aspher.org to register your interest. Riegelman GNAPH Fellowship: (Deadline 9 January 2026) GNAPH is seeking a part-time, early-career professional to function as a Riegelman GNAPH Fellow for one year to help shape and advance GNAPH’s plan of action. This fully remote, paid position offers an opportunity to work with academic public health experts across regions to advance a unique and multifaceted agenda. Learn more and apply here.
08.01.2026
Another eventful year has passed – before the new year we’d like to send our greetings to members with highlights from 2025 while also looking ahead to what is in store for 2026! Deans’ & Directors’ Retreat 2025 & 2026 / 1st European Congress on Education and Training in Public Health The Annual Deans’ & Directors’ Retreat is always the high point of the ASPHER calendar and we were pleased to meet up with members this year in Berlin with tremendous thanks everyone who attended and participated, and to our wonderful hosts at the Berlin School of Public Health. The 2025 General Assembly witnessed the election of Prof Mary Codd, University College Dublin as future President of ASPHER. She will take the lead in July 2026, which coincides nicely with the Irish EU Presidency – we’ll be seeking for synergies! Alongside Mary, we welcomed two new Members of the Board: Prof Oleg Lozan, School of Public Health Management, Republic of Moldova, and Prof Judit Simon, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; and Prof Polychronis Kostoulas, University of Thessaly, Greece is back for a second term. The Deans’ & Directors’ Retreat has been growing each year – listening to ASPHER members’ concerns, President Henrique Barros saw a unique opportunity under his Presidency Agenda and building on the momentum of ASPHER’s 60th Anniversary to fill a gap in the Europe-level discussions on strengthening the capacity and quality of public health education and training. ASPHER is thrilled to launch the 1st European Congress on Education and Training in Public Health in Milan from 15-18 July 2026. Hosted by four Lombardy Region ASPHER Members, the Congress will incorporate the 2026 ASPHER Deans’ & Directors’ Retreat and celebrate ASPHER’s 60th Anniversary. The event will follow on the Milan Winter Olympics, in the heart of this green city on the Polytechnic of Milan campus – offering an authentic public health experience underscoring the field’s inherent multidisciplinarity, cross-sectorality, and interprofessionality! Registration and Call for Abstracts for Milan 2026 are already open at https://milan2026.aspher.org. ASSETS 2025 & 2026 The Annual ASSETS Public Health Mentoring Summer School moved to Croatia in 2025, warmly hosted by former ASPHER Executive Board Member Mirjana Kujundžić Tiljak, Director – Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, University of Zagreb School of Medicine. We congratulate Mirjana on being re-elected for another term as Director and are grateful to Andrija Štampar SPH’s continuing commitment to engage with ASPHER’s next generation agenda as host of ASSETS 2026 – building on past experience and grow the format to make ASSETS more relevant and unforgettable than ever! The opportunity for a select group of early career public health professionals to spend an intensive week with dedicated ASSETS faculty mentors and guests in Zagreb will be available during the week of 06 July 2026 — bridging the gap between EuroPubHealth+ programme graduation week in Rennes and the ASPHER Milan 2026 Congress. Stay posted for more! Public Health Diplomacy Agenda for an Age of Populism Teaming up with ASPPH our sister organisation in North America, ASPHER has launched an ambitious agenda in Public Health Diplomacy. The agenda builds on work initiated by Dean Ashish Joshi at University of Memphis with ASPHER Executive Board Member Ramune Kalediene, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, leading for ASPHER. Following up on the initiative’s introduction during the Berlin D&D;, ASPHER together with ASPPH held a series of events during this year’s European Health Forum Gastein in October, including a High-level Stakeholder Lunch Session, Young Forum Gastein Skills Building Session and a Conference Fishbowl Session (watch the recording here). This was the first time that schools of public health hosted a session at EHFG – showcasing how much we can accomplish when we join forces! Prof Martin McKee, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, was integral to the EHFG success as moderator of the main session and driver in contributing to the background Policy Brief that served to kick off the discussions during the EHFG events. The Brief is now published as An Agenda for Public Health Diplomacy in an Age of Populism offering a roadmap forward with nine ways to revitalise and future-proof public health diplomacy. A linked call for papers on the topic of Public Health Diplomacy in a Complex World is open in the journal Public Health Reviews – consider submitting your work! Watch that space and aspher.org for more to come! In outcomes from EHFG, we will be working with ASPHER member schools to initiate Public Health Diplomacy living laboratories to build capacity in Europe. After taking part in the session, EUPHA and IANPHI are stepping up to be a part of this important initiative – with schools, institutes and national networks combining forces. It is great to bring the Public Health community together when we are operating in an increasingly divided world. Setbacks for Public Health in 2025 We cannot send this message without acknowledging certain setbacks for Public Health in Europe and Globally in 2025. Dealing with these challenges has made the agenda on Public Health Diplomacy even more critical as we must make use of all channels to ensure that Public Health keeps a seat at the table with the World’s power brokers. The most visible on a global scope were the decision of the United States to withdraw from the WHO and cuts to global programmes such as USAID. ASPHER responded with a briefing paper on WHO’s Role in a Changing World, and joint action with EUPHA and WHO Europe to organise a webinar and EPH Helsinki Roundtable on protecting public health through global cooperation and advocacy. On the European level, Health NGO’s received a major blow when the European Commission suspended operating grants funding for civil society organisations holding Framework Partnership Agreements (FPAs) under the EU4Health Work Programme 2025–2026. Cuts of the operating grant funds were confirmed in July with release of the 2025 Work Programme. ASPHER is amongst the organisations affected, having secured an FPA under the call and a formal complaint has been filed to the European Ombudsman. Despite this, ASPHER has remained resilient having established an operational format which is not overly dependent on European Operating Funds. Through leadership from the Presidency to the operation level, ASPHER has built a strategy over the past years to prioritise a diversity of funding opportunities. This is thanks first and foremost to the indispensable contributions and engagement of our Members. You are ASPHER’s foundation! ASPHER 60th Anniversary in 2026! ASPHER will be turning 60 next year and we will be celebrating to showcase everything that schools of public health contribute to the health of Europe and the World! We are working on digitalising ASPHER historical archives, here is a teaser for a look back at the early years of the Association. Despite the challenges discussed above, ASPHER is resolute to boost organisational development and member communication as we build momentum towards the ASPHER 1st European Congress on Education and Training in Public Health! – see our previous message for more details including registration and call for abstracts. A key element will be the ASPHER 2030 Strategy, which we expect to adopt at the General Assembly in Milan. The Strategy will be grounded in feedback and evidence from the ASPHER member consultation conducted earlier this year — if by chance you missed responding to the consultation reach out to the Secretariat so we can still collect your input. Under Prof Henrique Barros’s Presidency Agenda, we will be asking Members for reflections on the history of Public Health in their countries and the part that schools of public health played in it. We’ll make this into a special anniversary book publication. We hope you will take the opportunity to showcase your local context – contact the Secretariat to participate! In 2026, we will be working to make the most of our strengthened partnerships. We continue to collaborate with WHO Europe on public health workforce professionalisation under the MoU signed in 2024. Public Mental Health is high on the WHO priorities – let us know if you want to get involved! ASPHER always works closely with EUPHA on multiple fronts, the collaboration was formalised with the signing of an MoU during the Berlin D&D.; Look for more exciting developments on this when we are back in January. Meanwhile, strong efforts continue at APHEA with the Agency’s revitalised leadership, opening up new possibilities for synergies and benefits to meet evolving education and training needs in public health. It is truly exciting to see APHEA steadily realizing its potential from global through regional to local relevance with system thinking and collaborative approaches! Increasing attention is given to the area of Migration and Public Health in line with the current Presidency priorities, the initiation of the new Migration Task Force and talks to formalise our partnership with IOM through an MoU. ASPHER’s Climate and Health agenda is going strong as recently communicated, with ongoing partnerships with ECHO and GCCHE. Under our current contract with the European Environment Agency, ASPHER is charged with analysing capacity building needs on climate change and health for local decision makers – please reach out to us if you have direct contacts in your cities and regions. And on the global level we are going strong through committed work together with ASPHER’s sister public health schools’ organisations under GNAPH! We look forward to celebrating 60 years of ASPHER with them when we head to the 18th World Congress on Public Health in South Africa in September under the GNAPH banner! Let’s get inspired to make 2026 better than ever as we celebrate 60 years of ASPHER together, building on our past for a brighter and healthier future! Member and Partner Opportunities Riegelman GNAPH Fellowship: (Deadline 9 January 2026) GNAPH is seeking a part-time, early-career professional to function as a Riegelman GNAPH Fellow for one year to help shape and advance GNAPH’s plan of action. This fully remote, paid position offers an opportunity to work with academic public health experts across regions to advance a unique and multifaceted agenda. Call for European Climate and Health Community of Practice (CoP) Facilitation Lead and faculty member participants: GNAPH and the GCCHE are teaming up to develop CoPs in Climate Change and Health Education for the Regional Public Health Schools' Associations. ASPHER is calling for applicants for a CoP Facilitation lead for Europe and expressions of interest from faculty and teaching staff from ASPHER institutions wishing to take part in the European CoP. Contact us to register your interest. 4th Annual RE-AIM Public Health IDEAS Hackathon: ASPHER Associate Member, the University of Memphis School of Public Health, has developed the RE-AIM Public Health IDEAS Hackathon series to sensitize youth to address public health challenges of the 21st century. The hackathon is open to all high school and public health students around the world. Learn more and register free here. ASPHER working groups and task forces expand member engagement with and contributions to the ASPHER agenda and it is expected they will continue to make an impact going forward. Contact the Secretariat for more information and to join in! Members, let us know what you are up to! Please be in touch with any activities or events where ASPHER could give a boost – let’s join together to make our 60 years shine! Reach out to lore.leighton@aspher.org to get engaged in ASPHER activities and to share your news for 2026 through ASPHER Channels! This season is a good moment to pause and reflect on the strength of our community. Thank you to all ASPHER Members and Partners for your ongoing engagement, collaboration and dedication to public health education and practice. Season's greetings, and best wishes for the year ahead. All the best, ASPHER Secretariat
08.01.2026
We are pleased to invite you to submit abstracts and later scientific papers in the fields of health and social care for: The 19th international scientific conference Stable and accessible healthcare systems in times of resource scarcity The conference will be held in Bled, Slovenia on June 4th, 2026 to develop discussions on creating and consolidating conditions for the stability and accessibility of health systems in times of resource scarcity. The focus will be on finding ways to create and maintain conditions that ensure long-term stability, efficiency and accessibility of health services, especially in times when limited financial, human and/or material resources are available. Participants will analyse different strategies, innovative approaches and good practices that can help health systems survive periods of scarcity while adapting to new social, economic and technological circumstances. MAIN TOPICS Leadership and management Quality and clinical practice Research and development ABSTRACT DEADLINE: 27 January 2026 PARTICIPATION FEE: Active and other participants: 150 € The participation fee includes lectures, lunch, snacks during breaks, a participation certificate, and proceedings of lecture. Additional information here. Welcome! Dr Sanela Pivač, Associate Professor Dean
08.01.2026
The Center–School of Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine, University Sts Cyril and Methodius in Skopje hosted a Public Health Forum on December 15, 2025, in the amphitheater of the Faculty of Medicine, marking the 20th anniversary of its membership in ASPHER. Attendance The event gathered around 100 participants, including representatives from the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, the Ministry of Health, deans and vice-deans of the Faculty of Medicine in Skopje, professors, members of the Teaching-Scientific Council for Public Health, MPH and PhD in public health scholars, postgraduate and doctoral students, and other distinguished guests. Opening Remarks The Forum was opened by Vice-Dean for International Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Rubens Jovanović, on behalf of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, together with government representative Mr. Verče Micevska. Former deans also addressed the audience: Prof. Dr. Nikola Jankulovski (former Rector of University Sts Cyril and Methodius), Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Sonja Topuzovska, and Prof. Dr. Magdalena Žanteva Naumoska. Panel Discussions Public Health – Expectations, Achievements, and Challenges Moderated by Prof. Dr. Fimka Tozija, President of the Teaching-Scientific Council for Public Health and Coordinator of the Center–School of Public Health. She presented the Center's beginnings and achievements over the past 20 years. Panelists included former coordinators: Prof. Dr. Jovanka Karadžinska Bislimovska, Prof. Dr. Dragan Gjorgjev, and Prof. Dr. Mome Spasovski. Science in Practice for Public Health – International Experiences Moderated by Prof. Dr. Igor Spiroski. Panelists included Senior Researcher Dr. Danče Gudeva Nikovska, Assistant Lecturer Sanja Sazdovska, and Dr. Sci. Brankica Mladenović. Declaration Guided by European and global principles of health protection, equity, solidarity, responsibility, sustainable development, and human rights, participants adopted the Public Health Declaration 2026–2035, outlining key principles and priorities for the next decade for both the Teaching-Scientific Council for Public Health and the Center–School of Public Health.
06.01.2026
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.
19.12.2025
The Global Network for Academic Public Health (GNAPH) is recruiting a one-year, part-time Riegelman GNAPH Fellow (approx. 1 day/week, fully remote) to help shape and advance our global plan of action. This is a unique opportunity for an early-career public health professional—a recent graduate (within five years) of a Master's or higher-level program at a GNAPH member institution—to work across regions with leaders in academic public health. The Fellow will help coordinate GNAPH's priorities (including the COPE Program and a young professionals' network), support the Secretariat, and contribute to identifying funding and sustaining GNAPH's work. Applications now closed.
10.12.2025
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.
