CONNECTING INVESTMENT, EVIDENCE, AND IMPACT: HEALTHINTELACT'S CONTRIBUTION TO EUROPEAN PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK 2026

In 2026, European Public Health Week theme, “Investing for sustainable health and well-being” resonates deeply with the mission of our Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network. Across our three pillars, People, Planet, and Prosperity, 17 PhD EU-based fellows coming from across the globe, supported by 8 beneficiaries and over 30 associated partners, are working to transform health data into actionable intelligence for stronger, more equitable health systems.

People – Equitable health systems start with the individuals they serve. Fellows in this pillar tackle health inequalities head-on: from socioeconomic and geographic disparities to vaccination coverage, screening access, and the equitable adoption of new technologies. The goal is not just to describe inequalities, but to inform real policy and practice decisions.

Planet – Environment and health are inseparable. Our Planet fellows explore how environmental protection can drive health decision-making, how climate and health policies can be better aligned, and how healthcare itself can reduce its environmental footprint; because the ecosystems that sustain our planet also sustain our health.

Prosperity – Health systems are only as strong as the people running them. This pillar focuses on financial resilience, workforce wellbeing, and smarter resource use; reducing inefficiencies, curbing low-value care, and building systems that can deliver equitable, high-quality care sustainably, now and in the future.

A shared ambition connects it all: bridging scientific knowledge with real-world decision-making, and turning evidence into action for healthier, more resilient health systems across Europe.