Is the WHO Summer School 2026 free?
Yes — tuition, lunch, coffee breaks, and a welcome dinner are free
What language is the programme delivered in?
English.
Do I need a public health degree?
No — applicants from interdisciplinary backgrounds are welcome.
How many participants will be selected?
30.
Does WHO cover travel or accommodation?
No — participants must self-fund these costs.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, upon successful completion.
Other Opportunities
Explore more funded international programmes at:
https://oppotify.com
The WHO Summer School 2026 is a prestigious in-person training programme designed to strengthen the capacity of researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers in applying systems thinking and innovation to address noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and advance healthy ageing across the WHO European Region. Taking place from 21–24 July 2026 in Nice, France, the summer school brings together international experts, WHO faculty, and participants from across Europe for high-level interactive learning.
Applications are now open and must be submitted no later than 21 November 2025.
Key Dates & Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Title | WHO Summer School 2026: Systems Thinking & Innovation |
| Focus Keyword | WHO Summer School 2026 |
| Location | Nice, France |
| Dates | 21–24 July 2026 |
| Format | In-person, English, 30 participants |
| Organisers | WHO/Europe PHP Division, Université Côte d’Azur, Ulysseus European University |
| Cost | Free (lunch, coffee breaks, welcome dinner included) |
| Deadline | 21 November 2025 |
| Notification | 17 December 2025 |
| Application Form | https://extranet.who.int |
| Official Website | https://www.who.int |
Table of Contents
Overview
The WHO Summer School 2026 focuses on systems thinking and systems-based approaches to address the complex, interconnected challenges of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), their determinants, and healthy ageing. Participants will learn how to analyse, design, and implement innovative public health strategies that reflect real-world system dynamics.
The summer school is built around interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, policy simulations, decision-making tools, and project-based learning. Participants will apply systems thinking approaches directly to their own real-life professional projects to ensure immediate relevance and real-world impact.
Who Should Apply?
The WHO Summer School 2026 is designed for:
- PhD students
- Early and mid-career professionals
- Postgraduate students
- Public health practitioners
- Researchers and analysts
- Policy-makers
- Professionals working in healthy ageing, NCD prevention, innovation, systems science, or health strategy
Applicants should have an interest in strengthening cross-sector collaboration, advancing policy innovation, and improving implementation of evidence-based public health interventions.
Learning Goals
By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:
- Understand systems thinking theory, techniques, and tools
- Analyse systems-based problems related to NCD prevention and healthy ageing
- Identify user needs to design innovative, people-centred solutions
- Recognise common patterns in complex systems and mitigate system traps
- Use systems thinking tools for decision-making
- Translate research into policy and practice
- Strengthen multisectoral collaboration and public health innovation capabilities
Curriculum Overview
While the final curriculum is being finalised, key modules include:
- Systems-thinking concepts for NCD prevention and control
- Identifying systems archetypes & modelling policy scenarios
- Applying systems thinking tools in practice
- Policy innovation and public health systems transformation
- Designing systems-informed research and interventions
- Practical training in decision-making tools
- Innovation ecosystems and collaborative approaches
Each day combines lectures, keynote sessions, group activities, workshops, and real-case simulations.
Faculty & Teaching Methods
The WHO Summer School 2026 will be delivered by:
- WHO experts in NCD prevention, ageing, innovation, and systems science
- International specialists in systems thinking
- Leading academics and practitioners from partner universities
Methods include:
✔ Keynote presentations
✔ Lectures and tutorials
✔ Workshop-based learning
✔ Group projects
✔ Real-life scenarios & case studies
✔ Systems-based analytical tools
Participants will receive an official certificate of participation.
Financial Information
The summer school is free of charge and includes:
- Lunch and coffee breaks on all days
- A welcome dinner on 22 July 2026
Participants must cover:
- Travel to/from Nice
- Accommodation
- Visa (if required)
- Any additional personal expenses
Application Process
To apply to the WHO Summer School 2026:
1. Submit Online Application
Applications must be submitted through the official form:
🔗 https://extranet.who.int/dataformv6/index.php/347638?lang=en
Deadline: 21 November 2025
2. Review by Selection Panel
Applications will be evaluated by WHO, Université Côte d’Azur, and Ulysseus experts.
3. Notification of Results
Successful applicants will be informed by 17 December 2025.
There is no fee to apply.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated on:
- Professional background relating to NCDs, ageing, innovation or public health
- Education and training
- Relevant experience
- Personal motivation statement
- Potential for future collaboration and impact
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 21 November 2025
- Notification of acceptance: 17 December 2025
- Programme dates: 21–24 July 2026
- Location: Nice, France
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