Call for Applications: 2026 Summer School on Systems Thinking and Innovation for NCD Prevention and Healthy Ageing Scholarships

The 2026 Summer School, a partnership between the WHO Regional Office for Europe, Université Côte d’Azur, and Ulysseus European University, is designed to enhance practical capacity in applying systems thinking to public health challenges, specifically NCD prevention and healthy ageing. Participants will engage in interactive sessions, hands-on exercises, and applied project work from 21-24 July 2026 in Nice, France. The curriculum, facilitated by WHO specialists and international experts, covers core systems thinking concepts, NCD prevention methods, policy scenario development, and translating research into policy. Learning objectives include developing a conceptual understanding of systems thinking, identifying and analyzing NCD/healthy ageing issues, innovating within complex systems, and strengthening skills for evidence-informed decision-making. The program targets a maximum of 30 PhD students and early-to-mid career professionals from various public health-related domains. While tuition is free and some meals are covered, participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.

Applicants should meticulously prepare their submissions, focusing on key selection criteria. **Preparation Tips:** 1. **Deep Dive into Systems Thinking:** Familiarize yourself with systems thinking theory and its application in public health, NCD prevention, and healthy ageing. Review the WHO's policy guidance on systems thinking for NCD prevention mentioned in the 'Additional Information' section. 2. **Align with Program Themes:** Clearly articulate how your current work or academic background intersects with public health, innovation, NCD prevention, healthy ageing, or multisectoral collaboration. **Required Documents (Implied):** 1. **Curriculum Vitae (CV):** Detail your academic background, professional experience, and any relevant research or project work. 2. **Personal Statement:** This is critical. It must clearly demonstrate your 'professional relevance,' 'academic background,' 'experience,' 'quality of personal statement,' and 'potential for future collaboration.' Highlight specific examples of how you have or plan to apply systems thinking to address NCDs or promote healthy ageing. Express a strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and how attending the summer school will directly impact your professional context and future contributions. **Success Strategies:** * **Show Impact:** Illustrate how your participation will lead to tangible improvements in public health policies or programs within your professional sphere. * **Emphasize Innovation:** Demonstrate your capacity or interest in developing innovative strategies to tackle complex health challenges. * **Highlight Collaborative Potential:** Express enthusiasm for networking with international experts and peers, and engaging in future collaborative initiatives related to the summer school's themes.

Given the limited capacity of 30 participants, this is a highly competitive opportunity. The selection panel will be looking for candidates who not only meet the professional and academic prerequisites but also demonstrate a strong alignment with the program's core values: systems thinking, innovation, NCD prevention, healthy ageing, and multisectoral collaboration. The 'quality of the personal statement' and 'potential for future collaboration' are likely heavily weighted, indicating a desire for participants who are not just learners but future contributors to a global network. Applicants should strategically use their personal statement to showcase their unique contributions, future aspirations, and how the summer school directly supports their professional trajectory in a way that benefits the broader public health community. Researching the partner organizations (WHO Regional Office for Europe, Université Côte d’Azur, Ulysseus European University) and their work in these areas could also provide valuable context for tailoring the application.