International Conference for Public Health Students is a Global Success

The conference, themed Reimagining Public Health: Building Equitable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Futures, united EUTOPIA students worldwide through a dynamic hybrid format. The conference welcomed 114 in-person participants and 120 online participants joining at different times and sessions. Delegates represented 65 institutions in 13 countries spanning universities, health services, NGOs, councils, and private organisations.

Key highlights included student-led co-creation, inclusive participation, and a diverse lineup of speakers:

The conference featured two distinguished keynote speakers: Professor Tracy Daszkiewicz (President of the Faculty of Public Health; Executive Director of Public Health & Strategic Partnerships, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board). Talk title: From Crisis to Transformation: Embedding Equity in Public Health Preparedness and Recovery and Professor Susan Hopkins (Chief Executive Officer, UK Health Security Agency - UKHSA). Talk title: Health Security in a Changing World: Building Resilient and Inclusive Public Health Systems. These keynote lectures provided strategic insights into equity, resilience, and preparedness in public health systems.

An Early Career Researcher (ECR) Panel session, titled Navigating Next Steps: Early-Career Paths in Public Health, also brought together emerging scholars to share experiences and advice. The panel provided practical guidance on PhD pathways, publishing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and balancing teaching with research. Feedback highlighted its value for master’s students considering doctoral studies.

The conference sparked collaboration and innovation, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future in public health.