Newsletter - March 2025

1. Editorial
2. EUPHA update
3. European Public Health Conference
4. European Institutions’ news
5. Call for proposals, job opportunities
6. Upcoming courses and conferences
7. Interesting publications

1. Editorial

Standing up for science, standing up for public health

This past month has been a stark reminder of why we do what we do. I (Charlotte) had a simple accident - a fall - that turned into a firsthand experience of the incredible dedication of healthcare professionals. From the paramedics who arrived swiftly to the doctors and nurses who provided expert care, each person played a vital role in my recovery. It was a humbling moment and a powerful testament to the importance of strong, well-supported health systems and the people who sustain them. Public health is not an abstract concept - it is lived every day, in moments of crisis and care.

One other thing I witnessed closely was the immense burden carried by caregivers, showing incredible resilience while facing significant risks to their own health. During COVID-19, we applauded these heroes, but applause is not enough. We must do more to support those who care for us. We need well-trained, compassionate communities and peer-to-peer support to face the challenges ahead, whether it’s an aging society, floods, climate change, or war. This includes recognizing the unsung heroes in our communities, like the woman who, following my accident, picked me up off the street, called for paramedics, stayed with me, and covered me with a blanket. Her kindness was a reminder of how vital community care is, particularly in times of crisis.

Yet, even as we celebrate the dedication of health workers, we cannot ignore the mounting challenges facing public health and science itself. Attacks on scientific integrity are increasing worldwide, undermining research, evidence-based decision-making, and ultimately, population health. These threats are not confined to one country or region; they have global consequences. That is why EUPHA proudly supports the Stand Up for Science movement, advocating for independent, publicly funded research free from political interference.

Earlier this month, we hosted a crucial webinar on this issue, bringing together experts to discuss how Europe can take a leadership role in safeguarding scientific knowledge, skills, and resources. If you missed the live session, you can watch the recording here. Now, more than ever, we must stand together - across disciplines, across borders - to protect the foundations of public health.

Dr. Tit Albreht, EUPHA President
Charlotte Marchandise, Executive Director

2. EUPHA update

European Public Health Week 2025: event submission now open!

The event submission platform for European Public Health Week (12–16 May 2025) is now open. We invite organisations and individuals across Europe to contribute by hosting an event aligned with this year’s theme: "Innovation for Resilience: Shaping a Sustainable Future."

Events may take various forms, including webinars, workshops, local initiatives, and policy discussions, and can be held in-person, online, or hybrid. To support organisers, we have developed an event guidebook with practical guidance on planning and promotion.

We encourage you to take part and help advance the public health dialogue. Submit your event by 5 May 2025.

Upcoming EUPHA Section webinars

Our Sections continue to be busy, bringing together experts from across Europe and beyond to discuss key public health challenges, share insights, and explore solutions. Join upcoming sessions to stay informed and engage with the latest research and policy developments.

• Using Co-design to reimagine the regulation of digital drug information infrastructures in the EU

4 April, 11:00 – 12:00 CET
Organised by the Foresight Section

This webinar will explore the potential of co-design methodologies to address the regulatory challenges surrounding digitizing drug safety information. Click here to register.

• Yogurt consumption is associated with poorer sleep outcomes cross-sectionally, but not long-term

24 April, 16:00 – 17:00 CET
Organised by the Chronic Disease Section

While the effects of sleep on diet are well-documented, growing research suggests that diet may also influence sleep quality. This webinar will examine a study investigating the relationship between dairy consumption and sleep health. Click here to register.

EUPHA experts featured in 20 Minutes on public health and anti-science trends

Charlotte Marchandise and Martin McKee have been featured in 20 Minutes discussing the historical lessons from the 1930s and the dangers of anti-science policies. Their insights highlight the importance of evidence-based decision-making in public health and the risks posed by political narratives that undermine scientific integrity.

Read the full article in 20 Minutes (in French).

Enhancing leadership skills in public health – new EJPH supplement available

The European Journal of Public Health (EJPH) has published the first of a two-part supplement focused on enhancing leadership skills in public health. This collection of articles explores key strategies, challenges, and innovations in leadership development, equipping public health professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to drive meaningful change.

We invite you to explore the latest research and insights that can help strengthen leadership capacity in the public health field.

Read the supplement here.

EUPHA Health and Care Workforce Mid-term Conference

On 20-21 March 2025, experts gathered in Budapest, Hungary, for the EUPHA Health and Care Workforce Section Mid-term Conference, focusing on innovation, resilience, and policy solutions for workforce challenges. Representatives from WHO Europe, the European Commission, academia, and research institutions shared insights through keynotes, panel discussions, and presentations.

Key discussions

• Day 1 focused on workforce optimization, skills development, and strategies to improve mental well-being among healthcare professionals.
• Day 2 explored policy advocacy, resilience, and geographical disparities in workforce distribution.

Five takeaways:

1. Addressing work-related stress and burnout is a priority.
2. International collaboration is key to sustainable workforce policies.
3. Task shifting and multi-disciplinary teamwork help tackle workforce shortages.
4. Digital skills training and AI integration enhance efficiency and patient care.
5. Young healthcare professionals should play a larger role in decision-making.

The conference successfully gathered experts from around the world to discuss current challenges in the health workforce and explore future strategies for their sustainability, emphasizing innovation, resilience and strategic policy-making across Europe.

EUPHA contributes to the European Commission's Foresight Strategy

EUPHA has contributed to the European Commission’s Strategic Foresight 2025 consultation, advocating for resilience, preparedness, and cross-sector collaboration in public health policymaking. Through its Foresight Section, EUPHA highlights the importance of anticipating and addressing future health challenges before they emerge.

A forward-looking approach is essential as Europe faces rapid changes, from climate and digital transformation to security risks and demographic shifts. To strengthen public health resilience, EUPHA recommends:

• Embedding foresight-driven policymaking in EU health strategies.
• Strengthening scenario planning for geopolitical, climate, and technological risks.
• Investing in AI-driven early warning systems.
• Integrating public health foresight into security, digitalization, and climate policies.
• Developing EU-wide frameworks for pandemic preparedness and antimicrobial resistance.

Public health foresight is key to security, sustainability, and resilience. Read more about our recommendations.

EUPHA contributes to the European Internal Security Strategy

EUPHA, in collaboration with GLEPHA, is advocating for a prevention-first, evidence-based approach that places public health at the core of European security policy. The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and the spread of misinformation have highlighted vulnerabilities in Europe’s security landscape. A strong and equitable security strategy must recognize that protecting public health is essential for maintaining peace and stability.

Our key recommendations include:

• Integrating public health into security policies to promote equity-driven, climate-conscious decision-making.
• Strengthening the public health workforce to enhance crisis response and resilience.
• Creating joint training programs for law enforcement and public health professionals to improve cooperation.
• Tackling misinformation by enforcing stronger regulations on digital platforms.

Security is about people, communities, and resilience. Read more about our contributions to the strategy.

EUPHA President speaks at Greece Cancer Summit

EUPHA President Tit Albreht recently spoke at the Fifth Annual Greece Cancer Summit, joining a panel on the importance of National Cancer Plans (NCPs) in the EU. NCPs are key to effective cancer prevention, treatment, and care, yet their implementation varies across countries.

The discussion explored successful national strategies, Greece’s scientific priorities, and whether its plan meets the needs of patients and healthcare professionals. Panelists also considered how the EU can hold member states accountable for implementation and how monitoring tools, such as dashboards, can track progress.

3. European Public Health Conference

EPH Conference registration opens 1 April

We’re excited to welcome you to the 18th European Public Health Conference in Helsinki, Finland, from 11 - 14 November 2025. This year’s theme, Investing for Sustainable Health and Well-Being, will focus on how strategic investments in health can drive long-term benefits for individuals, communities, and societies.

Registration opens on 1 April! Despite rising costs, we’ve kept fee increases to a minimum (~5%), while student and LMIC fees remain unchanged. Early bird discounts apply, along with reduced rates for EUPHA members and colleagues from Finland. More details, including registration fees, are available on the EPH Conference website.

Ferenc Bojan Young Investigators Award

We are excited to announce the Ferenc Bojan Young Investigators Award competition, open to researchers under the age of 30. The top five abstracts will be presented in a special session at EPH 2025, honoring the late Prof. Dr. Ferenc Bojan.

A jury will review all submissions and select the best abstract, with the winner receiving a certificate and free registration for the following year’s EPH Conference.

This is an excellent opportunity for young researchers to showcase their work on a prestigious platform and gain recognition in the public health community. To learn more about the history of the award, visit EPH Conference website.

EPH Conference 2027 heads to Belgrade, Serbia!

We are excited to announce that the 2027 EPH Conference will take place in Belgrade, Serbia, with tentative dates from 16–19 November 2027 at the newly renovated Sava Center. This will be the first time the EPH Conference, or its predecessor, the EUPHA Conference, will be held in southeastern Europe, co-organised by the Serbian Public Health Association (SPHA).

By bringing the conference to this region, we aim to welcome a broader network of public health professionals and strengthen regional collaboration.

The conference theme will be announced later this year.

EPH Conference is now on Bluesky!

We are pleased to announce that the European Public Health Conference is now on Bluesky. Stay up to date with the latest conference news, key deadlines, speaker announcements, and more by following us there.

For official updates, you can follow us on Bluesky and LinkedIn, ensuring you never miss important information about #EPH2025 in Helsinki. Join the conversation and stay connected with the public health community.

Follow us on Bluesky.
Follow us on LinkedIn.

4. European Institutions’ news

Council:

Council drafted conclusions on promoting and protecting the mental health of children and adolescents in the digital era, confirming Polish Presidencies priorities (10 March 2025).

Council discussed the Silver Transformation, exploring ways to help older people work longer or return to jobs to fill worker shortages and reduce poverty in old age (10 March 2025).

Council adopts conclusions on European Defense, reaffirming NATO cooperation, activating the national escape clause to facilitate national defense spending and supports the Commission €150 billion loan instrument (6 March 2025)

Commission:

The European Health Data Space (EHDS) officially enters into force. We plan to be monitoring its implementation through our members and provide feedback to the Commission by March 2027 (26 March 2025).

EUPHA contributed to the 2025 Strategic Foresight Report leveraging the Foresight and Global Health Sections (19 March 2025).

EUPHA contributed to the European Internal Security Strategy leveraging the ETHICS Section and our associate member GLEPHA (13 March 2025).

Critical Medicine Act officially proposed. Executive Vice-President Ribera and Commissioner Várhelyi declared “This proposal is not just a matter of public health, it is a matter of security and resilience.” The text also includes State aid rules, creating mechanisms for coordination and alignment across Member States (11 March 2025).

Executive Vice-President Virkkunen and Commissioner Brunner announce an upcoming “European Return Order. To make it clear that an order to leave one Member States means an order to leave the EU.” (11 March 2025).

Commission unveils Roadmap to strengthen women’s rights (7 March 2025).

Commissioner Mînzatu unveils the Union of Skills initiative (5 March 2025).

Commission unveils ReArm Europe Plan, mobilizing €800 billion for defense, activating the national escape clause, proposing a €150 billion loan instrument, boosting joint procurement, and reinforcing NATO cooperation (4 March 2025).

Parliament:

Speech in Plenary by President von der Leyen calls to “ build common defense” (11 March 2025).

Allegations emerge that MEPs accepted Huawei gifts in exchange for influence, raising transparency concerns (13 March 2025).

At the last SANT Committee meeting, Commissioner Varhelyi addressed concerns on the Health Budget and the EU's future relations with the WHO (20 March 2025).

5. Call for proposals, job opportunities

The Trinity Challenge community access to effective antibiotics

The Trinity Challenge seeks innovative, low-cost data and tech solutions to improve antibiotic stock control and reduce substandard and falsified oral antibiotics in LMICs. Solutions should incorporate community-level data and may address human and/or animal health. Deadline 24 April 2025.

Call for papers: The Health and Care Workforce: how to respond to multiple crises and new health priorities?

This special issue of Health Policy aims to contribute new knowledge to develop policy solutions, foster implementation and leadership, equity, and knowledge exchange globally. Submissions are welcome on all areas of the health and care workforce, and covering single or multiple countries. The submission deadline is 30 September 2025. For more details, including how to submit a paper, please visit the Health Policy website.

Call for expression of interest: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship

The University of Malta is interested in hosting Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action fellows to work in its research teams and welcomes expressions of interest from excellent post-doctoral researchers to apply for the Postdoctoral Fellowship call. The proposed Postdoctoral position will focus on investigating the burden of cardiometabolic diseases and multimorbidity in relation to social determinants of health and gender. Special emphasis will be placed on addressing the unique health challenges and resource constraints of small islands and states. The application deadline is 24 May 2025. For further information and details on how to apply please visit the University’s website.

6. Upcoming courses and conferences

7. Interesting publications

Artificial intelligence in public health: promises, challenges, and an agenda for policy makers and public health institutions

Artificial intelligence (AI) can rapidly analyse large and complex datasets, extract tailored recommendations, support decision making, and improve the efficiency of many tasks that involve the processing of data, text, or images. As such, AI has the potential to revolutionise public health practice and research, but accompanying challenges need to be addressed. 
Read more here.

Keeping health high on the agenda: the European Health Report 2024

The 2024 edition of the European Health Report shows that people’s health in the WHO European Region continues to be negatively impacted by a range of complex and persistent threats and new hazards, which demand urgent attention in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more here. 

Reflecting Digital Transformations in Public Health Curricula

Digital technologies promise greater personalisation and precision in public health services, automation of repetitive tasks, and more efficient use of existing resources through rapid management and analysis of big data sets. To seize this opportunity, the public health workforce needs to become sufficiently competent to navigate these novel digital technologies and understand how to apply them across the spectrum of essential public health functions. With few exceptions, however, digital skills are not yet systematically incorporated into public health curricula.
Read more here. 

Wastewater analysis and drugs -- a European multi-city study

The findings of the largest European project to date in the emerging science of wastewater analysis are presented in this section. The project analysed wastewater in around 128 European cities and towns (hereinafter referred to as ‘cities') to explore the drug-taking habits of those who live in them. The results provide a valuable snapshot of the drug flow through the cities involved, revealing marked geographical variations.
Read more here. 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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