The Division of Prevention and Health Promotion (PHP) of WHO/Europe, Université Côte d’Azur and Ulysseus European University, are now accepting applications for the 2026 summer school “Systems thinking and innovation for the prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) 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 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. 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.
The summer school is designed for PhD students and early and mid-career professionals, including researchers, postgraduate students, health practitioners and policy-makers interested in applying systems thinking and systems-based approaches to advance evidence-based policies, strengthen multisectoral collaboration and improve policy implementation through innovation.
Course information
- Location: Nice, France
- Date: 09:00 21 July to 14:00 24 July
- Delivery: In-person (30 participants), English language
- Methods: Key-note presentations, lectures, workshops and practical training using real-life scenarios
- Faculty: WHO experts and leading international experts in systems thinking, NCD prevention and control, healthy ageing, public health innovation and multistakeholder engagement
- Qualification: A certificate of participation will be provided.
Curriculum
The curriculum is currently being finalised but will cover topics including:
- systems-thinking concepts and methods for NCD prevention and control
- identifying systems archetypes and developing policy scenarios
- systems thinking tools in practice
- creating systems thinking informed studies
- practical training on the use of decision making tools
- policy innovation in public health
- innovation ecosystems.
Financial information
- The summer school will be provided free of charge, including lunch and coffee breaks on each day and a welcome dinner on 22 July 2026.
- Applicants will need to cover their own travel expenses, accommodation and any other costs related to their stay in Nice.
Application process
Applications must be submitted no later than 21 November 2025.
Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel with successful applicants informed by 17 December 2025.
Selection criteria
Professional relevance working on public health, innovation, healthy ageing and NCD prevention and NCD risk factors; education; experience; personal statement; and potential for future collaboration.