The new PhD course, Sustainable Health and the 2030 Agenda, is planned to be offered again in Fall 2025
Last month, Karolinska Institutet launched the first-ever Sustainable Health and the 2030 Agenda PhD course, organized by the Department of Global Public Health (GPH) and the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health (CESH). Offered within the framework of the Doctoral Programme in Health Care Science (PUF-V), the course received incredible feedback and enthusiasm from participants. It is now planned to be offered again in Autumn 2025.
Key facts
- First edition: December 2–11, 2024, 2 HEC (1.5 weeks)
- Organisers: Department of Global Public Health (GPH) and the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health (CESH)
- Lecturers: Experts from CESH, GPH, LIME, Stockholm Resilience Centre, and Makerere University
- Participants: 16 PhD students from different departments at KI and other universities in Ethiopia, Uganda, France, the US, and Sweden. The course was delivered through a seamless hybrid format.
- Next course: Planned to be offered again in Autumn 2025
Why this course matters
This course addresses a vital gap in PhD education by helping students bridge the connection between research and sustainable development. While PhD programs increasingly recognize the need for sustainable development skills, few courses focus on this area. As interest grows in linking research to health and sustainability, this course provides essential knowledge and tools to meet that demand. We’re proud to see students leave inspired and equipped to drive meaningful change toward a healthier, more sustainable world.
Participant feedback
"This course emphasizes multisectoral collaboration and systems thinking, which are essential for addressing global challenges like climate change, poverty, and inequalities. I’m excited to apply the knowledge gained to transformative collaborations for a sustainable future", shared Muhabaw Shumye Mihret.
For Clémence Orain, the interactive format and diverse perspectives were key: “The course provided insights on linking the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with my own research. The mix of lectures, discussions, and group work made it incredibly enriching.”
Sara Björklund highlighted the central role of justice and health equity: “Justice and health equity empower people to fully participate in sustainable development. These principles are essential for achieving a sustainable future.”
Course lecturers
We were honored to have members of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health, such as Nina Viberg, Tobias Alfvén, and Stefan Swartling Peterson. Their guidance and insights were instrumental in making the course a success.