From 20 to 24 July 2026, the Medical University of Lodz hosted the 35th Summer School of the European Training Consortium in Public Health and Health Promotion (ETC-PHHP) under the theme ‘Adding Life to Years – Celebrating Health and Wellbeing’. The event was attended by 23 participants from across Europe, including Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Kosovo and the Netherlands, creating a unique space for the exchange of experiences, international cooperation and a joint search for solutions to contemporary public health challenges.

The school was organised by staff from the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Medical University of Lodz, under the leadership of Prof. Magdalena Wrzesińska, together with the team from the Department of Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Dr Magdalena Kostyła, Jarosław Rakoczy (MSc), Dr Katarzyna Binder-Olibrowska and Anna Szeligowska.

The programme included workshops, work in international project teams and discussions led by experts in public health and health promotion. Participants also had the opportunity to present the results of their work, sharing their experiences and best practices.

An important element of the school was collaboration with the local community in Poddebice. Thanks to the involvement of the Poddębice Culture and Sports Centre, participants learnt about the history and contemporary life of the region, and during cookery workshops led by the ‘Jeżynki’ Rural Women’s Association, they prepared traditional Polish pierogi together. The social programme also included a visit to the Poddębice Thermal Baths, which helped to foster relationships and international connections.

The success of the event was made possible by the involvement of outstanding tutors and professors representing various European countries: Merita Kocinaj-Berisha (Kosovo), Lenneke Vaandrager (Netherlands), Anna Bonmati (Spain), Lynne Kennedy (UAE), Paolo Contu (Italy), Karen Cregan (United Kingdom), Gwen Boonekamp (Netherlands), Maud Duthie (United Kingdom), Arnd Hofmeister (Germany) and Patrizia Garista (Italy).

This year’s edition has once again confirmed that international cooperation, the exchange of knowledge and joint action in the field of public health are key to building healthier societies. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all participants, tutors, partners and the community of Poddębice for their contribution to this exceptional event.