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Summary

Thank you to all those who attended the Prevention Science in Europe half-day Conference on the 2 March 2016 in Brussels, hosted by  the Science for Prevention Academic Network (SPAN).

The unequal distribution of health outcomes across Europe poses a challenge to the EU's fundamental objective of solidarity and cohesion. Alarmingly, 97% of health spending across Europe goes on treatment as compared to only 3% on prevention. Whilst Prevention Science is a relatively new field of study, it is one which is growing in importance. The increasing number of fiscal, environmental and social pressures facing the EU is forcing policy makers to search for more effective and efficient solutions. Prevention Science has the potential to be a part of this solution mix.

The half day event delivered the following:

• An analysis of the requirements of those working and studying in the prevention science field.
• An analysis and proposal for the implementation of a post - graduate level curriculum in prevention science.
• An explanation on how the curriculum is designed to meet the needs of prevention researchers and practitioners, and the estimated health gains that would follow from implementing such a curriculum.

Speakers include

Prof. David Foxcroft

SPAN Project Coordinator, Professor of Community Psychology and Public Health

Oxford Brookes University, UK

Dr. Roman Gabrhelik

Head of the Primary Prevention Centre and the Treatment Centre at the Department of Addiction

Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic

Prof. Janet Mifsud

Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery

University of Malta

Peer van der Kreeft

Lecturer Prevention

University College Ghent

Prof. Rosaria Galanti

Adjunct Professor

Karolinska Institute

What is SPAN?

The Science for Prevention Academic Network (SPAN), was established in 2011 with support of a large grant awarded by the European Commission Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP). Working in collaboration with the European Society for prevention Research (EUSPR), the network consists of experts from 32 European institutions across 25 countries.

The SPAN project will map the prevention science sector, improve education and training, build networks and run workshops with researchers, with a particular focus upon young researchers. In addition, the project will contribute to the integration of prevention science in higher education across Europe and will provide recommendations on how best to align prevention science with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). 

SPAN AIMS:

• Improve the integration of Prevention Science degree/quality assurance standards, methods and approaches in the European Higher Education Sector in such a way that improves the quality and increases the volume of staff and student mobility across Europe.
• Share Best Practice and facilitate the development of innovative practices in Prevention Science education and training.
• Support the development of innovative ICT-based content, services, pedagogies and practice for lifelong learning in Prevention Science.

For more information on any aspect of this event or if you experience any problems using the website, please contact Rhian Morgan on rhian.morgan@forum-europe.com or on +44 (0) 2920 783 026.