We are pleased to announce that ECDC has published the self-assessment tool and technical report resulting from ASPHER's project Updating Core Competencies in Applied Infectious Disease Epidemiology (UCCAIDE) for mid-career applied epidemiologists. 

Harmonising the competencies used in applied infectious disease epidemiology will facilitate collaboration and enhance the use of a common language among professionals who tackle cross-border health threats in Europe.

The competency framework contains a list of 157 competencies grouped in six subject areas:

• Essential methods for applied infectious disease epidemiology
• Preparedness, surveillance and response to infectious disease outbreaks
• Communication and advocacy
• Practice of infectious disease epidemiology
• Contextual influences on infectious disease management
• Leadership and management

The potential uses for this competency set include:

• training needs assessments in public health institutions
• individual assessments
• writing of vacancy notices
• professional development planning.

The work, which was contracted by ECDC, will also feed into updates of ASPHER Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals.