The directors of the University of Bath's Centre for 21st Century Public Health (C21PH) will address key challenges facing public health at the 18th European Public Health Conference, taking place in Helsinki from 11-13 November 2025.

The conference's main theme, "Investing for sustainable health and well-being," emphasises that improving population health is an investment that benefits society and fosters a sustainable economy.

Professor Anna Gilmore, Professor of Public Health and Director of the Local Health Global Profits research consortium, will lead discussions on how commercial interests shape health outcomes across multiple conference sessions. She will chair a scientific session entitled "Strengthening local responses to the commercial determinants of health" on Thursday, 13 November, where she will introduce the Local Health Global Profits research consortium through her presentation on "Addressing commercial and other determinants of health through an upstream systems perspective".

Professor Gilmore will further contribute to a high-level plenary session on "Tackling political and commercial determinants through policy and governance," alongside leading international figures, including Ilona Kickbusch, Founder of the Global Health Centre in Geneva; Sandro Galea, Dean of the School of Public Health at Washington University; and Mika Salminen, Director-General of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

Professor Harry Rutter, Professor of Global Public Health at Bath and Chair of the Joint Action Prevent NCD External Expert Advisory Board, will participate in a pre-conference panel discussion examining current political developments and their implications for public health and equity. The pre-conference, organised by Joint Action Prevent NCD, brings together senior officials, academics, and youth representatives to discuss policies supporting non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention at regional, national, and local levels.

Speaking about the need for systemic approaches to public health, Professor Gilmore said, "Addressing the commercial determinants of health requires us to understand and address both the individual health harming industries and the system nature of the problems currently driving human and planetary health harm, including corporate power, externalities and a focus on growth at any cost. Only by taking an upstream, systemic perspective can we develop effective long-term solutions and shape places in which people can flourish."

The 18th European Public Health Conference provides a platform for public health professionals, policymakers, and researchers to share evidence and develop strategies for addressing Europe's most pressing health challenges.

Taking place in Helsinki, ranked the 11th best city for congresses worldwide and capital of the world's happiest country for seven consecutive years, the conference will explore the very factors behind Finland's success: strong social support networks, social trust, honest governance, safe environments, and healthy lives.