Student-led public health advocacy: insights from the 2025 EUPHW in Gdańsk, Poland
- 1Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
Abstract
Issue/problem: The Student Scientific Circle at the Medical University of Gdańsk coordinated the 2025 Polish edition of the European Public Health Week. The initiative sought to bridge the gap between academic theory and community practice. It is considered to be a highly beneficial model for other countries, as it is capable of facilitating the scalable development of leadership and communication skills among future professionals while promoting local health.
Description of the problem: The project (May 12-16, 2025) delivered accessible health promotion. It consisted of 6 events (mental health games, urban walks, ecological actions, preventive screenings, senior workshops, sports tournament) coordinated with 16 partners under high-level patronages. Questions answered: 1) Can student-led initiatives mobilize diverse demographic groups for health promotion? 2) How do media and multi-sector partnerships impact campaign reach?
Results: The initiative demonstrated a significant social impact, starting with the opening day, which attracted widespread interest from both the student body and local residents. A key indicator of the project’s success was its extensive media visibility, including a dedicated report by the regional public television station. This television coverage allowed the Circle to reach a much broader audience, amplifying the educational message beyond local participants. Furthermore, securing support from the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate of Poland and over 10 sponsors ensured the professional execution of all activities and provided participants with tangible incentives for health-seeking behaviors.
Lessons: The 2025 EUPHW in Gdańsk serves as a scalable model for student organizations to lead effective, large-scale health advocacy.
Main message: Student-led initiatives effectively bridge theory and practice, enhancing local health literacy. Media outreach and partnerships amplify the impact of student public health advocacy.
Speakers/Panellists: Anna Kurek
Medial University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
Jagoda Arendt
Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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BibTeX
@article{ciescinska2026studentled,
title = {{Student-led public health advocacy: insights from the 2025 EUPHW in Gdańsk, Poland}},
author = {K Cieścińska},
journal = {The European Journal of Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.313},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.313},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Student-led public health advocacy: insights from the 2025 EUPHW in Gdańsk, Poland
AU - K Cieścińska
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - The European Journal of Public Health
DO - 10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.313
UR - https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.313
AB - Issue/problem: The Student Scientific Circle at the Medical University of Gdańsk coordinated the 2025 Polish edition of the European Public Health Week. The initiative sought to bridge the gap between academic theory and community practice. It is considered to be a highly beneficial model for other countries, as it is capable of facilitating the scalable development of leadership and communication skills among future professionals while promoting local health. Description of the problem: The project (May 12-16, 2025) delivered accessible health promotion. It consisted of 6 events (mental health games, urban walks, ecological actions, preventive screenings, senior workshops, sports tournament) coordinated with 16 partners under high-level patronages. Questions answered: 1) Can student-led initiatives mobilize diverse demographic groups for health promotion? 2) How do media and multi-sector partnerships impact campaign reach? Results: The initiative demonstrated a significant social impact, starting with the opening day, which attracted widespread interest from both the student body and local residents. A key indicator of the project’s success was its extensive media visibility, including a dedicated report by the regional public television station. This television coverage allowed the Circle to reach a much broader audience, amplifying the educational message beyond local participants. Furthermore, securing support from the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate of Poland and over 10 sponsors ensured the professional execution of all activities and provided participants with tangible incentives for health-seeking behaviors. Lessons: The 2025 EUPHW in Gdańsk serves as a scalable model for student organizations to lead effective, large-scale health advocacy. Main message: Student-led initiatives effectively bridge theory and practice, enhancing local health literacy. Media outreach and partnerships amplify the impact of student public health advocacy. Speakers/Panellists: Anna Kurek Medial University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland Jagoda Arendt Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
SN - 1101-1262
SN - 1464-360X
ER -