The four-day programme in Nice will bring together PhD students, researchers and healthcare professionals to explore public health innovation, systems thinking and disease prevention. Applications close on November 23, 2026.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has opened applications for its Summer School 2027 in France, offering an international learning opportunity for researchers and professionals interested in tackling complex public health challenges.

Scheduled from July 20 to 23, 2027, the four-day programme will take place in Nice, France. It is organised by the WHO Regional Office for Europe in collaboration with the WHO Collaborating Centre at Université Côte d’Azur and Ulysseus European University.

The programme is designed for PhD students, early- and mid-career professionals, healthcare practitioners, researchers and policymakers. Around 30 participants will be selected to explore how systems thinking and innovation can improve public health policies and outcomes.

WHO Summer School 2027: What are the benefits?

Selected participants will receive free access to the training programme, along with opportunities to learn from international public health experts.

The benefits include:

• Free participation: No programme fee for selected participants.
• Expert-led training: Sessions with WHO specialists and international researchers.
• Meals: Lunch and coffee breaks throughout the programme.
• Welcome dinner: A networking dinner on July 21, 2027.
• Certificate: Participants will receive a certificate of participation.

However, this is not a fully funded programme. Participants must independently cover their international airfare, accommodation and other personal expenses in France.

What will participants learn?

The summer school will focus on systems thinking, an approach that examines how social conditions, government policies, economic factors, healthcare infrastructure and individual behaviour interact to influence public health.

Participants will explore how these connections can be used to prevent noncommunicable diseases, improve healthcare strategies and promote healthy ageing.

Key learning areas include:

• Systems-thinking tools for public health challenges.
• Developing policy scenarios and decision-making strategies.
• Applying research methods to real-world healthcare problems.
• Artificial intelligence and innovation in public health.
• Translating scientific research into practical policies.
• Building innovative approaches to disease prevention and healthy ageing.

The programme will combine expert presentations, interactive lectures, practical workshops and project-based activities.

Who can apply?

The opportunity is open to PhD students, postgraduate researchers, public health academics, healthcare professionals and practitioners.

Policymakers and professionals working in noncommunicable disease prevention, healthy ageing, public health innovation and related areas are also encouraged to apply.

The programme will be conducted in English and will require in-person participation in Nice.

Programme details and application process

• Location: Nice, France.
• Dates: July 20–23, 2027.
• Start time: July 20 at 9 am.
• End time: July 23 at 2 pm.
• Selected participants: 30.

Interested candidates must complete the online application form through the official WHO announcement.

Application deadline: November 23, 2026.

Applicants should review the official eligibility requirements and programme details before submitting their applications.