Health and Wellbeing Research at IIASA Workshop

The event facilitated dynamic discussions and fostered collaborations across various research programs, focusing on shared interests in this essential area of study.The event basically provided a platform to

• Showcase current and planned projects
• Foster new collaborations
• Discuss strategies for collectively strengthening and expanding research efforts in this crucial field

Researchers were invited to submit abstracts, and a volunteer organizing committee from across IIASA carefully curated the final agenda. The workshop was structured around three key themes:

• Achieving health gains through cleaner air, transport policy, and energy transitions
• Modeling the health and wellbeing impacts of climate change and policy reforms
• Exploring the health impacts of biodiversity and food systems.

It was inspiring to witness the diverse range of research projects underway across the Institute, addressing critical topics such as the health impacts of air pollution, the effects of mitigation actions, and the implications of climate change on human health, including shifts in the nutritional content of crops.

Both the morning and afternoon sessions wrapped up with lively small group discussions. Participants dove into topics like measuring health and wellbeing and data, and understanding health systems and how they are affected by and contribute to climate change. We also looked at how health and wellbeing measures are incorporated into models—and where they might go in the future.

The workshop concluded with a focus on supporting future research efforts. Key next steps include establishing a dedicated working group, initiating a seminar series, and appointing research group "Health and Wellbeing" champions to sustain the momentum.

Actions and next steps:

• Identify health-wellbeing research champions
• Establish working group on health and wellbeing
• Set up a seminar series on health/wellbeing research including external speakers

If you are interested in becoming a champion, please contact Social Cohesion, Health, and Wellbeing (SHAW) Research Group Leader, Josephine Borghi.