Some buildings of the University of Birmingham campus.

EUniWell Health Inequalities Summer School

We are now inviting applications to our summer school on Health Inequalities in Europe. This free course, held at the University of Birmingham from 26 to 30 June 2023, is a unique opportunity to explore the topic from a range of perspectives, learning alongside a diverse cohort from across Europe.

In short

  • Topic of Summer School: Health Inequalities
  • Attendance: In-person
  • Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, UK
  • Dates: 26-30 June 2023 
  • Target groups: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students, early-career researchers, health and social care professionals, and policy makers from participating EUniWell universities
  • Programme language: English
  • Cost: All costs, including travel, accommodation and subsistence, will be covered by EUniWell.
  • Application details: Submit a 500-word statement by 30 April 2023, to euniwell[at]contacts.bham.ac.uk

Course overview 

Health inequalities are avoidable, unfair and systematic differences in health between different groups of people. Addressing the substantial inequalities in health within Europe is viewed as one of the most important challenges in public health. There are marked differences in life expectancy, both by sex and level of education, but also in mortality rates for cardiovascular diseases and cancer, health-related behaviours (including unhealthy diets and obesity), and other long-standing health problems. There are also notable differences in access to healthcare and unmet healthcare needs. The factors that give rise to, and exacerbate, disparities in health are complex and interlinked and have widened since the pandemic. Health inequalities are often addressed by policy across: socio-economic factors, geography, specific characteristics like sex, ethnicity or disability, and socially excluded groups such as people experiencing homelessness.

Starting with the basics of how we define health inequalities and the landmark studies on this topic, over the course of the week participants will look deeper into the different types of inequalities and their impact on specific population groups, as well as policies and approaches to address them. Researchers from across our EUniWell universities will lead the diverse sessions, with guest speakers providing insights from the perspective of different cities across Europe. 

The learning outcomes are as follows: 

  • To outline the epidemiology and determinants of health inequalities in Europe over the last 50 years
  • To appreciate the impact of health inequalities on different segments of the population
  • To discuss the leadership approaches, policies and interventions to address inequities
  • To recognise the lived experience of selected marginalised groups
  • To interpret health and healthcare inequalities in the global context
  • To learn different methods of public engagement and create a communication piece relating to a specific population/health issue

The free course will bring together students, early-career researchers, health and social care professionals, and policy makers from across the EUniWell universities.  Candidates should have a background in medicine, biomedical science, health science, psychology, sociology, anthropology, data science, or similar. The diverse cohort will contribute their own expertise and perspectives, ensuring this international study experience is both informative and enriching. 

Held at the University of Birmingham, participants will have a chance to explore both our beautiful campus and this thriving city. The final day of the course will be held at our impressive city-centre Exchange building, based in the historic old municipal bank. 

Five places will be available for participants from each of the following EUniWell universities (30 places in total): Birmingham, Cologne, Florence, Linnaeus, Nantes, and Semmelweis. To apply, please submit a one-page statement (maximum 500 words in English) outlining why you should be awarded a place on this Summer School, covering: 

  • background information about yourself, 
  • relevant education/work, 
  • why you want to attend, 
  • how the course will benefit your future career, and 
  • what you will bring to the group. 

We encourage and welcome the participation of applicants from a range of backgrounds. When reviewing applications, we will be aiming for a multidisciplinary and diverse group of participants, willing to actively engage with others from Europe. 

Closing date: 30 April 2023, 11:59 CEST / 10:59 BST