Conferences & Events
Past events
Organization: Van Hier Naar and Utrecht Life Sciences Planetary Health
On a chilly December evening, curious minds gathered at the historic Sonnenborgh observatory to explore the value of darkness with Marjolein van Heemstra. Her reflections on the cosmos, the interconnectivity of life, and process thinking invited us to see the world differently. The highlight was a shared meditation on twilight, where darkness became an ally rather than a foe, fostering creativity and connection. The evening鈥檚 magic was captured live by illustrator Loki Verburg, providing a visual memory of this unique event.
The Planetary Health Community showcased a vibrant array of events designed to inspire action, deepen understanding, and foster collaboration across disciplines.
- Open Community Meeting.
- Workshop on Climate Disinformation led by philosopher Dr. Mario Veen.
- Book Club: 鈥淟ess is More鈥 by Jason Hickel guided by narrative medicine expert Dr. Megan Milota.
- Interactive Dialogue & Living Libraries on Future Food Systems and Degrowth.
- Planetary Health Round Table: Ethical Academic Partnerships.
- Film Screening & Socratic Dialogue: Eco-Emotions.
This conference was a beacon of innovation and hope in healthcare education. Held at 木瓜福利影视 College Utrecht, it gathered educators, healthcare professionals, and changemakers to integrate Planetary Health into curricula. Highlights included Prof. Dr. Annet van Royen's keynote on interdisciplinary education and Dr. Ginie Servant-Miklos鈥檚 call to inspire action against ecological collapse. Interactive workshops provided tools for eco-emotions, sustainable research, and health advocacy. The event culminated in a lively plenary session, emphasizing small steps towards systemic change. As noted by an attendee, the conference was about shaping the future, not just educating for it鈥攁 movement with lasting impact.
From November 20鈥23, 2023, the ECTMIH conference unfolded as a transformative gathering under the overarching theme of planetary health. Participants from across the globe converged to explore the deep interconnections between human health, tropical medicine, and the ecosystems on which we depend. The event served as a call to action, urging scientists, policymakers, educators, and activists to unite in addressing the rapidly escalating health and environmental crises. Through dynamic keynote presentations, thought-provoking panel discussions, and hands-on workshops, attendees examined critical topics ranging from climate change鈥檚 impact on disease patterns to innovative solutions for sustainable healthcare systems. A resounding theme was the need for systemic change, with voices highlighting how human civilization鈥檚 resilience depends on restoring and preserving the natural systems that sustain us. As one speaker eloquently stated: 鈥淧lanetary health is not a distant goal鈥攊t is the foundation for our shared future.鈥 The conference provided a platform to celebrate successes, share knowledge, and foster connections. It was a powerful reminder that collaboration and interdisciplinary action are vital to building a healthier, more equitable world for all.