Profile overview

Training in research is an integral part of high-quality education in public health. Public health professionals working in research, education and/or in leadership positions have to base their decisions on current state-of-the-art research. They need profound skills in research methods and in the interpretation of research findings. Excellence in research will strengthen the role of schools of public health in Europe and secure funding.

The vision is to create a European network in research training among ASPHER member schools. This network will foster exchange of PhD students throughout Europe. It will also promote research cooperation at the post-doctoral level. Many ASPHER member schools have particular strengths which they may use to support other schools. Mechanisms to promote training in research include research tandems, mentoring programmes, online courses, integration of pre-assessed high-quality massive open online courses, and exchange programmes.

Objectives:

• To develop common criteria for doctoral programmes in Public Health 
• To promote harmonization of doctoral programmes in Public Health in Europe 
• To encourage mobility of PhD students and academic staff throughout Europe 
• To stimulate quality assurance of doctoral programmes 
• To promote cooperation in research and development of joint doctoral programmes 
• To promote training and cooperation in research among ASPHER members 
• To encourage the development of bi- and multilateral networks in research training