World Health Organization Summer School 2027 in France: Systems Thinking & Innovation
Applications are officially open for the World Health Organization (WHO) Summer School 2027 in France. This prestigious short-term professional training initiative focuses on Systems Thinking and Innovation for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases and a Healthy Ageing Population in the WHO European Region. The program is tailored for early- and mid-career professionals, researchers, PhD candidates, and decision-makers seeking to transform public health policies through innovative systems-based approaches.
Organized jointly by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the WHO Collaborating Centre at Université Côte d’Azur, and Ulysseus European University, this in-person event provides an intensive platform to analyze complex public health challenges and translate scientific discoveries into actionable health policy.
Program Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | France |
| Location | Nice, France |
| Organizer | WHO Regional Office for Europe, Université Côte d’Azur, Ulysseus European University |
| Program Dates | July 20–23, 2027 |
| Financial Coverage | Free tuition, training materials, daily coffee/lunch, welcome dinner |
| Eligible Nationalities | Open to all nationalities |
| Application Deadline | November 23, 2026 |
Designation and Target Audience
The WHO Summer School is specifically designed for participants holding the following roles or educational standings:
- Postgraduate researchers and PhD candidates in public health or related fields.
- Early- and mid-career public health scholars and university faculty.
- Healthcare practitioners, clinicians, and medical professionals.
- Public health policy makers, government advisors, and civil servants.
- Specialists working in noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention, healthy ageing, and health system innovation.
Research Area and Core Topics
The curriculum emphasizes systems thinking—exploring how social settings, economic conditions, policy frameworks, healthcare design, and individual behaviors interact to affect health outcomes. Key research and learning topics include:
- Systems Thinking Methodology: Practical tools and concepts for addressing noncommunicable disease prevention.
- Policy Scenario Building: Identifying intricate public health roadblocks and designing forward-looking policy options.
- Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Ecosystems: Exploring digital transformation, public health innovation, and AI capabilities.
- Evidence-to-Policy Translation: Converting cutting-edge scientific research into actionable healthcare strategies and governance frameworks.
- Healthy Ageing: Developing sustainable public health initiatives for aging populations across Europe and beyond.
Location and Schedule
The program will take place in-person in the scenic city of Nice, France. All instruction and workshops will be conducted in English.
- Start Time: July 20, 2027, at 9:00 AM
- End Time: July 23, 2027, at 2:00 PM
- Format: Interactive lectures, expert discussions, hands-on workshops, and collaborative project activities.
Scholarship Description and Financial Coverage
Selected participants receive tuition-free access to high-level international training provided by WHO professionals and leading academics. Program benefits include:
- Free Tuition: No attendance or program participation fees.
- Expert Mentorship: Direct exposure to WHO experts and international leaders in public health and innovation.
- Catered Refreshments: Daily coffee breaks and fully covered lunches throughout the program duration.
- Welcome Event: Official welcome meal for participants on July 21, 2027.
- Certificate: Official WHO Summer School certificate of participation upon completion.
Note: Participants or their sponsoring institutions are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel, visa fees, accommodation, and personal expenses while staying in Nice.
Eligibility and Qualification Criteria
To qualify for selection, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a postgraduate researcher, PhD student, public health practitioner, healthcare professional, or policymaker.
- Demonstrate a clear professional or academic background in public health, healthcare management, NCD prevention, or healthy ageing.
- Possess strong English language proficiency, as all sessions are delivered in English.
- Show strong motivation to apply systems-thinking tools directly to ongoing or future research and policy projects.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application online through the official WHO application portal before the closing date. Follow these steps:
- Review the eligibility requirements and prepare your professional profile/CV.
- Access the official call for applications page.
- Complete the required application form and submit your documentation online.
To submit your application or view the complete official details, visit the Official WHO Summer School Application Page.
Last Date to Apply
The absolute deadline to complete and submit your application for the World Health Organization Summer School 2027 is November 23, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.