Care for Climate, Care for Health: CAPHRI Research Day 2026

The day opened with a keynote by Charles Wijnker, Director of Environment and Safety at the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), who outlined how climate change is already affecting health through extreme heat, air quality, and infectious diseases. He also highlighted that mitigation efforts, such as the energy transition, bring new safety considerations.

A key takeaway was the sector’s own impact: healthcare contributes significantly to environmental pressure. This underscores the need to rethink both research practices and care delivery.

A key part of the CAPHRI Research Day 2026 was the renewed PhD Poster Sessions. The format was redesigned to stimulate interaction, dialogue, and peer-to-peer feedback, in close collaboration with the CAPHRI PhD Representatives and the Science Commission.

With 49 presenters, the sessions showcased the breadth and quality of CAPHRI research. Daniël Huijten (HISP) received the CAPHRI Poster Award for his work on childhood vaccinations, underscoring the importance of combining scientific methodology with openness towards the communities involved.

The CAPHRI Public Poster Award was awarded to Rhiannon Reising (VHC) for her research on sustainable practices in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Read the full announcement and details on the winning posters. 

In the afternoon, participants joined one of five parallel workshops, choosing a topic aligned with their interests. The sessions translated climate health into practical research questions and interdisciplinary exchange.

Topics ranged from “scientivism” and the role of engaged researchers in planetary health (Pim Martens), to the mental health impacts of climate change and related research gaps (Claudia Lang). Other sessions explored interdisciplinary approaches to climate health and social justice (Hafez Ismaïli M'hamdi), integrating environmental impact into healthcare decision-making (Jesse Jansen and Merel Kimman), and the links between climate change and infectious diseases in an interactive pub quiz (Christian Hoebe and Astrid Oude Lashof).

The workshops sparked lively discussions, generated new research ideas, and strengthened connections across disciplines.

Following the PhD in the Spotlight Sessions, where three shortlisted finalists presented their research, the day concluded with the plenary closing ceremony and award presentation.

Dr Charlotte Peters (HISP) was announced as the winner of the Nanne de Vries Dissertation Award 2026. Her thesis focuses on the sexual healthcare needs of home-based and migrant sex workers.

Selected from 70 doctoral theses published in 2025, her work was recognised for its methodological strength and societal relevance. As noted by the Science Commission, the research spans the full cycle from engaging hard-to-reach populations to informing policy and practice.

Reflecting on the recognition, Dr Peters said: “I hope this recognition helps amplify the impact of my research and strengthens the voices of the sex worker communities.”

Read more about the Phd in the Spolight session and the winner of the nanne de Vries Dissertation award.

The CAPHRI Research Day 2026 highlighted the urgency of climate-health research and the strength of the CAPHRI community. By connecting research, practice, and societal challenges, the event reinforced a shared commitment to sustainable and equitable healthcare.

Looking forward, the next edition is already on the horizon. The CAPHRI Research Day 2027 will take place on 2 June 2027. This upcoming edition will focus on influence and impact, exploring how our research can more effectively shape policy, practice, and societal change. Be sure to save the date!