Deadline: November 23, 2026
Applications are open for the World Health Organisation (WHO) Summer School 2027. The Division of Prevention and Health Promotion of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the WHO Collaborating Centre at Université Côte d’Azur, and Ulysseus European University are now accepting applications for the 2027 summer school “Systems thinking and innovation for the prevention of noncommunicable diseases and a healthy ageing population in the WHO European Region”.
The summer school explores the theory and use of systems thinking and systems-based approaches to tackle the complex challenges of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors. Its aim is to build participants’ capacity and expertise in the application of systems-based methods for problem-solving and innovation, and to translate these methods into practical strategies that advance NCD prevention and promote healthy ageing. Participants can expect a combination of interactive learning, hands-on exercises and project-based work, including the opportunity to apply systems-thinking approaches to their own projects, ensuring that learning is directly relevant to their professional context.
The school will support participants to:
- understand systems-thinking theory, techniques and tools;
- acquire the ability to identify and analyse key problems related to NCD prevention and healthy ageing, ensuring that their solutions are rooted in user needs and aspirations;
- innovate to address challenges in NCD prevention and healthy ageing;
- identify common patterns in complex systems and how to mitigate them to implement policies and strategies more effectively; and
- develop skills to transfer research into policy.
Costs
- The summer school will be provided free of charge, including lunch and coffee breaks on each day and a welcome dinner on 21 July 2027.
- Applicants will need to cover their own travel expenses, accommodation and any other costs related to their stay in Nice.
Eligibility
- Applicant should have relevant professional experience in public health, innovation, healthy ageing and NCD prevention, or NCD risk factors; education; experience; personal statement; and potential for future collaboration.
- The delivery of the summer school will be in English language. English proficiency is required.
Application
Applications must be submitted no later than 23 November 2026. Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. Successful applicants will be informed by 18 December 2026.
For more information, visit WHO Summer School.
