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The European Public Health Association Newsletter – August 2025 |
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Newsletter – August 2025
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1. Editorial
Public health is a collective endeavor
This summer, we find ourselves both looking forward and looking back. On one hand, we launch a campaign that asks all of us to stand together for science, equity, and public health in Europe. On the other, we pause to remember and honor one of our founders, Professor Jouke van der Zee, whose vision helped make EUPHA what it is today. Both moments remind us of the same truth: public health is a collective endeavor, carried forward by the commitment of individuals.
U* are Public Health – a call to stand together
Public health in Europe is facing challenges unlike any we have seen before. The sudden cancellation of NGO operating grants by the European Commission removed the very oxygen that sustains our work. Yet rather than stepping back, EUPHA is stepping forward — with the launch of our U* are Public Health* campaign.
This campaign is both a call for solidarity and a practical solution. By becoming a U* Member, individuals can now stand alongside our 72 member associations, institutions, and 29 thematic Sections, strengthening the independent voice of public health in Europe. Whether you are a student, policymaker, researcher, or practitioner, your engagement helps ensure that science continues to inform policy, equity remains a guiding principle, and the public health community remains united and visible.
We invite you to explore the different ways to contribute — as Supporter, Ally, Champion or Super Star — and to spread the word across your networks. Every voice matters, every contribution counts. Together we can safeguard what EUPHA has built: a platform where evidence, collaboration, and solidarity drive healthier societies.
In memoriam: Professor Jouke van der Zee (1947–2025)
At the same time, we share the sad news of the passing of Professor Dr Jouke van der Zee, who died recently at the age of 78. Jouke was a founding member of EUPHA and initiator of the very first European Public Health Conference in 1992. With the generous support of his institute, NIVEL in the Netherlands, he helped lay the foundation for both EUPHA and the EPH Conference, shaping them into the vibrant platforms they are today.
He also believed that research must transcend borders. His early comparative studies of healthcare systems in the Netherlands and Belgium paved the way for international projects, and ultimately for EUPHA’s creation. In this, he anticipated the need for Europe to have strong, independent institutions dedicated to public health.
To honour his legacy, the Jouke van der Zee Fund has been established to support participation of public health professionals from across Europe in the EPH Conference, ensuring that his commitment to exchange, collaboration and knowledge-sharing will continue.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jouke’s family, colleagues, and the many public health professionals whose paths he shaped. His impact on our field is enduring — and it is our responsibility to carry it forward.
In celebrating new beginnings and honoring past legacies, we are reminded that public health depends on the people who make it happen. To all of you who stand with us: thank you.
Dr. Tit Albreht, EUPHA President
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2. EUPHA news
Upcoming EUPHA Section webinars
We’re back from summer and ready to kick off another round of insightful webinars. Our Sections continue to bring together experts from across Europe and beyond to explore today’s most pressing public health challenges. Join us this autumn to stay informed, share knowledge, and connect with the latest research and policy developments.
18 September 2025, 10:00–11:15 CEST
Organizer: Health Promotion Section
The Rural Health Promotion Research Working Group welcomes everyone with an interest in rural health to join this open meeting. Together we will explore how the group can best contribute to advancing rural health promotion research. The session will begin with an introduction to the group’s definition of rural health promotion research by Prof. Geir Arild Espnes (Director of NTNU Center for Health Promotion Research Leader Humanistic Class, The Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters), followed by a series of short contributions from Working Group members on possible areas of focus. Participants will then be invited to discuss these ideas, share perspectives, and help identify the most important directions for the group’s future work. The meeting will conclude with a summary of key points and next steps. This is a great opportunity to exchange views and contribute to shaping the agenda of the Rural Health Promotion Research Working Group. Register now to join the conversation.
Discover the new EUPHA website
We are delighted to announce the launch of the new EUPHA website, designed to make it easier than ever for you to connect with Europe’s public health community. The new site puts your needs at the centre. Whether you are looking for the latest evidence, upcoming events, or opportunities to collaborate, the website is built to help you find what you need quickly and clearly.
Some of the new features include:
The new design also highlights EUPHA’s Sections, Projects, and EUPHAnxt, while making space for news, resources, and opportunities to get involved.
We invite you to explore the new site and let us know what you think. Your feedback is vital as we continue to improve and make sure the website works for the diverse needs of our members and the wider public health community.
Visit the new site here: www.eupha.org
Have your say: survey on youth mental health
Mental health is more than the absence of illness. It is shaped by education, work, relationships, and by how young people see their future.
As a partner in the EARLY project, EUPHA is helping to gather insights from young people aged 15–24 in Albania, Belgium, Israel, Italy, Germany, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, and Switzerland. The aim is to better understand the factors that influence mental health and to ensure that policies and support systems respond to young people’s real needs.
Taking part requires just 45 minutes — the length of a football half-time — but the impact could be lasting. By sharing their experiences, young people can help shape the future of youth mental health in Europe.
The survey is open until 30 September 2025.
Take part here: Survey link.
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3. European Public Health Conference
Don’t miss out: EPH Conference registration is filling fast
Registration for the 2025 EPH Conference in Helsinki is well underway and demand is strong – we’re already at three-quarters of our capacity! If you’re planning to attend, we strongly encourage you to secure your place as soon as possible. With a dynamic programme this year’s conference promises to be one of our most impactful yet. Don’t delay – register today and join us in shaping the future of public health in Europe.
Enhance your EPH experience with a pre-conference session
The 18th European Public Health Conference opens on Tuesday 11 November with a full day of pre-conference sessions. These sessions offer the opportunity to explore specific public health topics in depth, exchange knowledge with peers, and connect with experts. Joining a pre-conference is one of the best ways to make the most of your time in Helsinki. Registration is easy: if you are already registered, you can add a pre-conference by emailing registration@ephconference.eu. Fees are €80 for a half-day session and €160 for a full-day session, lunch included.
This year’s programme includes a diverse range of topics, from the European Health Data Space and urban health planning, to AI application in primary care. View the full programme and secure your place.
Webinar series Helsinki 2025: Rethinking Health Systems for Resilience and Wellbeing
Join us on 11 September from 12:00 to 13:15 CEST for Towards Resilience and Wellbeing: Rethinking Health Systems in a Planetary Health Era. This fourth webinar in the series will bring together distinguished experts and practitioners to examine how health systems can move beyond crisis response towards building long-term resilience within a wellbeing society and economy – benefiting both people and the planet. Discussions will focus on how policymakers can strengthen health system performance in the face of adversity, ensuring essential functions continue while minimizing the impact of shocks on population health.
The session will also explore the role of public investment in promoting health and sustainability, with insights from leading European experts. Moderated by Andrea Schmidt (Austrian National Public Health Institute), the programme will feature keynote speaker Julia Zimmermann (European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies) and presentations from Jaana Halonen (Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare), Nadine Zillmann (Austrian National Public Health Institute), and João Vasco Santos (University of Porto, ULS Santo António, EUPHA Public Health Economics Section). Save the date and join the conversation on shaping resilient, sustainable health systems for the future.
Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra concert
As part of the 18th European Public Health Conference, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare invites delegates to a concert by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Collon with sheng soloist Wu Wei. The performance takes place on Thursday, 13 November 2025, at 19:00 in the Helsinki Music Centre. A limited number of free tickets (maximum 100) are available to registered conference participants, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that this invitation is intended for participants who are not attending the EPH Conference Social Dinner on the same evening. Further details and registration are available online.
Lufthansa Group partners with EPH Conference to offer 10% flight discount
New for 2025, EPH Conference has partnered with the Lufthansa Group to offer delegates a 10% discount on flights to Helsinki. This exclusive offer is available on flights operated by Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings, providing delegates from around the world with a convenient and cost-effective way to travel to the conference.
Booking is quick and easy – delegates can access the discount through a dedicated booking link available on our website. We are delighted to introduce this new partnership, helping make your journey to the 18th European Public Health Conference more affordable and accessible.
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4. Call for proposals, job opportunities
Research Engineer/Postdoctoral Researcher – PATTERN 3 Project
The École des Hautes Études en Santé Publique (EHESP) in Rennes, France, is recruiting a full-time Research Engineer or Postdoctoral Researcher to join the PATTERN 3 project, an intervention study focused on preventing the intergenerational transmission of addictive behaviours in collaboration with Addictions France. This three-year fixed-term contract (renewable for one year) offers the opportunity to coordinate and implement a multi-partner European research project, including participant recruitment, data collection, process evaluation, and dissemination. The role involves close collaboration with field partners, supervision of interns, and contributions to publications and conference presentations. Applicants must hold a PhD in public health, addiction medicine, psychology, social psychology, programme evaluation, or a related field, demonstrate fluency in French and strong English communication skills, and have proven ability in scientific writing and statistical analysis. Experience in interventional research is desirable. The position allows for teleworking and includes travel within mainland France and Réunion. The application deadline is 30 September 2025.
For full details (in French) and to apply visit the website.
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5. Upcoming courses and conferences
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6. Interesting publications
Public health and planetary health: human–planet relationship through education, research, policy, and practice
Viewpoint from EUPHA’s Environment and Health Section, Planetary Health Task Group
On World Health Day in 2022, an editorial in Lancet Public Health underscored the interconnection between planetary and human health and highlighted the existential threat of ecological degradation. Planetary health, as defined by the Planetary Health Alliance, addresses human disruptions to Earth’s systems. A 2023 ‘health check’ revealed six of the nine planetary boundaries breached, endangering human health. Given Earth’s perilous state, public health professionals must be equipped to tackle planetary health challenges.
This position article aims to:
(1) Highlight the links between planetary health and public health for EUPHA members, educators, researchers, health practitioners, other public health professionals, policy makers, and the general public; and
(2) Offer direction and support for public health education, research, policy, and practice on the topic of planetary health.
Read the viewpoint in full here.
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