call for proposals

Applications concerning one or more of the following thematic areas will be considered for the upcoming year:

1. Climate change
   Climate change threatens people’s health, health system functioning and the stability of ecosystems worldwide. Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity and might have direct and indirect impacts on public health. This thematic area aims to gather applications exploring the different impact(s) of extreme weather events and/or understanding how to improve disaster preparedness and disaster response when these events occur. Particular attention is paid to the impacts of theseevents on the health system.

2. Emergency Medical Teams (EMT)
   EMT is a WHO initiative that aims to improve the timeliness and quality of health services provided by national and international Emergency Medical Teams and enhance the capacity of national health systems in leading the activation and coordination of rapid response capacities in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, outbreak and/or other emergencies. In light of the strategic objectives of EMT 2030, this thematic area aims to strengthen evidence and research within the EMT Initiative.

3. Access to care in humanitarian crises
   Globally, many countries are witnessing a humanitarian crisis and/or an active conflict. In these fragile contexts it is important to ensure continuity of care and guarantee access to essential health services, especially for vulnerable groups. This thematic area aims to gather applications investigating access to care in crisis settings, including strategies to achieve Universal Health Coverage and interventions aimed at health system strengthening in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

4. Mass casualty/pre-hospital care
   Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) occur when the number and severity of injuries exceeds the capacity of local medical resources, overwhelming healthcare systems. Pre-hospital care in MCIs aims to provide rapid and effective medical assistance, optimize resource allocation, and improve survival rates. This thematic area aims to gather applications advancing mass casualty prehospital care by informing evidence- based practices, improving protocols and procedures, enhancing medical technologies, and identifying best practices to optimize outcomes for patients in these challenging situations.

5. Pre-hospital skeletal stabilization
   Skeletal stabilization in the pre-hospital emergency setting is of crucial importance especially in the context of war and civil catastrophe. The external fixation procedure can be optimized by anticipating it and making it capillary also with the aid of telemedicine and simulators. A feasibility study balancing efficacy with biological and economic costs would be desirable.

6. Simulation and technology
   This thematic area aims to gather applications on simulation and technology, which represent assets in disaster preparedness and response, empowering organizations and individuals to strategize effectively and mitigate the impact of disasters. Realistic simulations help refine coordination and response strategies, while technology provides real-time information, early warning systems, and communication networks that enhance situational awareness and facilitate prompt decision-making. Advanced technologies like drones, remote sensing, and Geographic Information System (GIS) aid in damage assessment, resource allocation, and search-and-rescue operations. Virtual and augmented reality platforms offer immersive training experiences, enabling responders to practice in lifelike disaster scenarios.

7. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNe)
   This Area is focused on advancing the understanding on the intersection of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and explosive (CBRNe) incidents and public health. Through interdisciplinary and multi-method approaches, the research idea can delve into the prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, risk assessment, psychological impact, ethical considerations, and/or policy implications associated with CBRNe incidents in public health settings. The research conducted within this call will contribute to safeguarding communities and improving overall public health resilience.

Visit the PhD Call for Proposals 2024 page to find an updated version of the PhD Proposal Template.