WHO Summer School 2027 in France: Systems Thinking and Innovation for Public Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) Summer School 2027 is an international learning opportunity for PhD students, researchers, health practitioners, and early- to mid-career professionals interested in public health innovation, noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention, and healthy ageing.

Organized by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the WHO Collaborating Centre at Université Côte d’Azur, and Ulysseus European University, the summer school will take place in Nice, France. The four-day program aims to strengthen participants’ ability to understand complex public health challenges and develop practical, evidence-based solutions.

The program combines expert lectures, interactive workshops, hands-on exercises, and project-based learning. Participants will have opportunities to apply systems-thinking methods to their own professional or research projects.

Summer School Benefits

Selected participants will receive access to:

• Free participation: No tuition or summer school participation fee.
• Expert-led training: Learn from WHO specialists and international experts in public health and systems thinking.
• Practical workshops: Work with real-life scenarios and decision-making tools.
• Public health innovation: Explore new approaches to preventing NCDs and supporting healthy ageing.
• Policy development skills: Learn how to translate research and evidence into effective policies.
• Emerging technology insights: Explore the potential of artificial intelligence in public health.
• International networking: Connect with researchers, policymakers, health practitioners, and other professionals.
• Certificate: Receive a certificate of participation upon completion.

Important funding information: This is a free summer school, but it is not fully funded. Participants must pay for their own international travel, accommodation, and other personal expenses in Nice. Lunch, daily coffee breaks, and a welcome dinner on 21 July 2027 are included.

Eligibility Criteria

The summer school is intended for applicants who have a relevant academic or professional background and an interest in applying systems thinking to public health challenges.

Potential applicants include:

• PhD students and postgraduate students.
• Early- and mid-career researchers.
• Public health professionals and healthcare practitioners.
• Policymakers and government officials.
• Professionals working in health promotion, NCD prevention, healthy ageing, and public health innovation.

Selection will consider relevant education, professional experience, the applicant’s personal statement, and potential for future collaboration. The official announcement does not specify a universal age limit or restrict applications to a stated list of nationalities.

The program will be conducted in person in English, with a maximum of 30 participants.

Program Topics

The curriculum is being finalized but is expected to cover:

• Systems thinking for NCD prevention and control.
• Systems analysis and policy scenario development.
• Practical systems-thinking tools.
• Evidence-informed research and decision-making.
• Public health policy innovation.
• Artificial intelligence opportunities in public health.
• Innovation ecosystems and collaboration.

Important Dates

• Program dates: 20–23 July 2027.
• Location: Nice, France.
• Application deadline: 23 November 2026.
• Selection results: Successful applicants are expected to be informed by 18 December 2026.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official WHO Europe announcement.
2. Review the program details and selection criteria.
3. Prepare your application information, including relevant education, professional experience, and personal statement.
4. Explain your interest in systems thinking, public health innovation, NCD prevention, or healthy ageing.
5. Submit your application through the official online application form before the deadline.