WHO Summer School 2027 in France

The WHO Summer School 2027 in France is a four-day international training programme designed to strengthen knowledge and practical skills in public health, systems thinking and innovation. It will take place from 20 to 23 July 2027 in Nice, France.

Officially titled Systems Thinking and Innovation for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases and a Healthy Ageing Population in the WHO European Region, the programme is organised by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the WHO Collaborating Centre at Université Côte d’Azur and Ulysseus European University.

The summer school focuses on addressing complex public health challenges, particularly noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory conditions. Participants will explore how different social, environmental, behavioural and policy-related factors influence health outcomes.

Through interactive lectures, practical workshops, real-life scenarios and project-based learning, participants will gain experience applying systems-thinking approaches to public health challenges.

The planned curriculum includes systems-thinking methods, NCD prevention, policy development, decision-making tools, public health innovation, healthy ageing and potential applications of artificial intelligence in public health.

The programme will also provide opportunities to interact with WHO experts and international specialists in public health research, innovation and policy implementation.

With only 30 in-person places available, the summer school is intended to create an interactive environment where participants can exchange knowledge and explore practical solutions.

The WHO Summer School 2027 is designed for applicants from the following academic and professional backgrounds:

• PhD students: Doctoral researchers interested in public health, systems thinking and related disciplines.
• Postgraduate students: Students pursuing advanced studies relevant to the programme's objectives.
• Researchers: Individuals involved in public health research or related work.
• Health practitioners: Professionals working in healthcare, public health or relevant fields.
• Policymakers: Individuals involved in health policy development or implementation.
• Early-career professionals: Professionals seeking to develop expertise in public health innovation.
• Mid-career professionals: Experienced professionals interested in applying systems-based approaches to their work.
• Professional relevance: Experience or work relating to public health, innovation, healthy ageing, NCD prevention or associated risk factors is considered during selection.
• Language: Training is delivered in English.
• Attendance: Participants should be able to attend the in-person programme in Nice from 20 to 23 July 2027.

Selected participants will receive the following confirmed benefits:

• Free Training: No course participation fee.
• Expert-Led Learning: Training delivered by WHO experts and leading international specialists.
• Practical Workshops: Interactive exercises and applied learning using real-life public health scenarios.
• Project-Based Learning: Opportunities to apply systems-thinking approaches to participants' professional projects.
• Free Lunch: Lunch provided on each training day.
• Coffee Breaks: Refreshments provided during scheduled course breaks.
• Welcome Dinner: A complimentary welcome dinner on 21 July 2027.
• Certificate: Certificate of participation upon attending the programme.
• International Networking: Opportunities to interact with public health professionals, researchers and policy specialists.

The official WHO application portal contains 19 questions. Applicants should prepare the following information relevant to the stated selection criteria:

• Personal statement: A statement explaining the applicant's interest, professional relevance and motivation. WHO confirms that the personal statement is considered during selection.
• Educational background: Accurate information about academic qualifications and relevant studies.
• Professional experience: Details of relevant work, research or projects in public health, innovation, healthy ageing or NCD prevention.
• Future collaboration interests: Information relevant to possible future professional or research collaboration.

WHO identifies the following factors for assessing applications:

• Professional relevance: Experience connected to public health, innovation, healthy ageing, NCD prevention or associated risk factors.
• Educational background: Relevant academic education and qualifications.
• Experience: Academic, research or professional experience relevant to the programme.
• Personal statement: The information provided about the applicant's interests, motivation and professional relevance.
• Future collaboration potential: Opportunities for continued professional or academic collaboration.

• Learn from WHO Experts: Develop knowledge through training delivered by experienced international public health specialists.
• Develop Practical Skills: Apply systems-thinking tools to real-world public health challenges.
• Understand Public Health Innovation: Explore approaches for improving NCD prevention and healthy ageing.
• Strengthen Policy Knowledge: Learn how research and systems-based evidence can inform public health decision-making.
• Build International Connections: Engage with researchers, practitioners and policymakers from different professional backgrounds.
• Apply Learning to Your Work: Use project-based exercises to explore challenges relevant to your studies or career.
• Receive Recognition: Obtain a certificate of participation from the summer school.