Welcome to the 2027 Summer School Application!
The Division of Prevention and Health Promotion (PHP) of WHO/Europe, the WHO Collaborating Center 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 (NCDs) and a healthy ageing population in the WHO European Region”.
Developed with technical support from Queen’s University Belfast (WHO Collaborating Centre for Systems Thinking and Innovation for the Prevention of NCDs) and York University.
About the Summer School
The Summer School will explore both the theory and practical application of systems thinking and systems-based approaches to tackle the complex challenges of NCDs and their risk factors.
Its aim is to build participants’ capacity and expertise to apply systems-based methods for problem-solving and innovation, and to translate these methods into practical strategies that advance NCD prevention and promote healthy ageing.
Who Should Apply?
The summer school is designed for researchers, health practitioners and policy makers interested in applying systems thinking and systems-based approaches to advance evidence-based policies, strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration and improve policy implementation.
A key element of the programme is the opportunity to apply systems thinking approaches directly to participants’ own projects, ensuring that learning is relevant and applicable to their professional context.
Learning Objectives
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.
Important Dates and Information
Application deadline: 23 November 2026
Training dates: 20–23 July 2027
Location: Nice, France
Teaching language: English
Start Your Application
Are you ready to start your application?
Please read all questions carefully and submit all items requested.
There are 19 questions in this survey.
