Pre-conference: Transforming Health and Care Systems Together: Innovation, Impact, Inclusion - THCS Annual Conference 2025 (THCS)
Tuesday 11 November, 09:00 – 17:00 Helsinki time
(with network lunch at 12:30)
Organised by
THCS Partnership, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
Background
The THCS Annual Conference 2025 will take place as a pre-conference event of the 2025 European Public Health Conference (EPHC), bringing together health and care stakeholders from all over Europe to explore practical pathways for transforming our health and care systems. The agenda will focus on key topics, including how to better evaluate and assess the impact of European and international funding in health and care, strengthening primary care and promoting mental health in community settings. A dedicated session for researchers will finally explore current tools and future needs to advance R&I capacity building for health system transformation in the EU. Throughout the conference, insights from THCS-funded projects will be shared, and sister initiatives will be invited to highlight opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Programme
| 9:00 – 9:15 | Welcome & Opening Remarks |
| 9:15 – 10:30 |
Session 1 - Funding That Matters: The Science and Strategy of Impact Evaluation of R&I investment in health and care The opening session of the conference will explore how to better evaluate and assess the impact of European and international funding of research projects in health and care. It will begin with a keynote address from the European Commission, highlighting its approaches to impact assessment of R&I and the rationale behind large-scale R&I funding initiatives. This will be followed by a policy-oriented lecture, providing a broader international perspective on the topic. The session will then feature a presentation of the Active Assisted Living (AAL) Programme Legacy Study, offering key lessons learned and insights into the long-term impact of such funding instruments. Finally, we will showcase THCS’s methodology to assess the impact of the project we fund via our calls, showcasing how this framework contributes to a more integrated and evidence-based evaluation of results. |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break |
| 11:00 – 12:30 |
Session 2 – Strengthening Primary Care: lesson learned and open challenges for the health and care systems This session will examine the evolving role of primary care as a cornerstone of integrated and people-centred health systems. Drawing on policy insights, the session will feature spotlights on selected THCS-funded projects addressing primary care through digital solutions, population health strategies, and cross-sector collaboration, highlighting how THCS and its partners are supporting innovation in preventive care and early intervention. An interactive panel discussion with project leaders, patient representatives, and institutional stakeholders will close the session, fostering dialogue on how to scale successful practices across Europe. |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Networking Lunch |
| 13:30 – 15:00 |
Session 3 – Mental Health in Community Care: the contribution of THCS funded projects Mental health is a growing priority across European health systems, particularly in the context of ageing populations and increasing demands on informal care. This session will focus on community-based mental health care, with a special emphasis on prevention and caregiver support. Opening with a brief policy framing, the session will showcase innovative projects funded by THCS that offer new models for psychosocial support, early detection, and community empowerment. A concluding panel will provide space for discussion with practitioners, experts, and policymakers working at the intersection of mental health, social care, and health equity. |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Coffee Break |
| 16:00 – 17:30 |
Session 4 – Shaping Tomorrow's Health and Care: Advanced Skills for Health Professionals and Leaders Health system transformation requires not only innovation and policy change, but also the capacity to implement, adapt, and lead change across diverse contexts. This session will explore how THCS and its partners are strengthening workforce resilience, leadership, and digital readiness to support the transition toward more sustainable, inclusive, and effective health systems. It will begin with a policy framing on capacity building as a key enabler of transformation, followed by presentations on core THCS tools and initiatives designed to promote capacity development. The discussion will also examine how to integrate digital innovation, end-user engagement, and system-wide learning to build capabilities at all levels. An interactive segment will provide space to reflect on key challenges and emerging opportunities, drawing lessons from across Europe. |
| Closing Remarks |
Registration
The registration fee is EUR 25. Networking lunch and refreshments are included.