The 2024 ASPHER conference forum in session at the Almeida Garrett Library Conference Hall in Porto, Portugal.
The Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) is a unique international organization dedicated to strengthening public health education, research, and policy formulation across Europe. It plays a pivotal role in advancing public health initiatives and disseminating public health knowledge.
Every year, ASPHER organizes the ASPHER Deans’ & Directors’ Retreat, which features workshops, scientific presentations, poster displays, thematic forums, and networking opportunities. The 2024 conference, held in Porto, Portugal, served as a vibrant platform for keynote speeches by renowned experts, interactive workshops on emerging public health issues, and extensive networking opportunities for global professionals in the field.
On June 5, 2024, during the ASPHER closed-door meeting of leaders, Director Kun-Hsien Tsai of NTU’s College of Public Health Global Health Program (GHP) presented the college’s Project Report. Project Coordinator Kun-Hong Chiang elaborated on NTU’s achievements in global engagement. Following discussions and inquiries regarding the membership application, the 45 voting deans and directors deliberated extensively. Afterwards, the Chair announced-- and congratulated-- NTU’s College of Public Health GHP for winning unanimous approval of its membership application, solidifying its position as one of the few non-European ASPHER associate members.
ASPHER membership currently includes 150 public health organizations from 57 countries. NTU’s College of Public Health GHP is the third member from East Asia to be approved, following Mongolia and Japan, and the first academic institution in Taiwan to join ASPHER. Moreover, it is the sole academic unit in Asia to hold memberships in both the American ASPPH as well as the European ASPHER.
In the future, NTU’s College of Public Health will actively engage in ASPHER’s public health-related activities and forge new networks and partnerships with ASPHER members and collaborators. The college will facilitate teaching and research collaborations between NTU faculty and ASPHER partner institutions. Additionally, it plans to offer students internship and practicum opportunities within the ASPHER network and to send students and junior faculty to participate in the Young Researchers Forum. Through ASPHER’s network, NTU’s College of Public Health aims to enhance its visibility in Europe, encouraging more European students to consider applying to study at the College.
Prof. Kun-Hsien Tsai, Director of the NTU Global Health Program, presenting the membership project report in the closed-door meeting at the ASPHER Deans’ & Directors’ Retreat hosted by the University of Porto in Portugal.
Director Kun-Hsien Tsai of NTU’s College of Public Health GHP (right) with ASPHER President Dr. Carlo Signorelli (left).
Director Kun-Hsien Tsai of NTU’s College of Public Health GHP (right) with ASPPH President Dr. Laura Magaña (left).
Director Kun-Hsien Tsai of NTU’s College of Public Health GHP at the 2024 ASPHER Deans’ & Directors’ Retreat with ASPHER Secretary Director Dr. Robert Otok.
