ISGlobal’s Spring School 2026 Breaks Records with Nearly 1,400 Participants from 124 Countries

The 2026 edition of the International Spring School in Global Health, held from 23 to 27 March, reached a record figure: 1,397 registered participants from 124 countries, representing a significant increase compared to previous editions; 96% are based outside Spain and 80% in low- and middle-income countries. In addition, the programme maintained a balanced gender representation, with 53% of participants identifying as women. These figures confirm sustained growth, a diverse and international profile, and the ability to attract professionals and students from around the world.

The online training was also offered free of charge thanks to the institution’s Severo Ochoa programme, thereby reinforcing its commitment to equitable access to knowledge and its focus on lifelong learning, particularly for participants from lower-resource settings.

Innovation in content and participatory methodology

The programme in this latest edition consisted of six modules, three of them new to address emerging challenges: evaluation of research impact on society, intersectionality and gender for equity in health research, and point-of-care diagnostic testing.

These were complemented by well-established modules on health impact assessment, climate change and occupational health research methods, and health system resilience in the face of crises.

All modules featured a high level of participatory activities, promoting direct interaction between participants and faculty to apply knowledge to real-world problem-solving and connect research, public policy and practice. This approach fosters not only knowledge acquisition but also critical thinking, peer learning and the development of professional networks across regions and disciplines.

Spaces for debate on AI and health policy

In addition, open sessions on key topics were organised, including a roundtable on the impact of cuts to international aid, moderated by ISGlobal Director Quique Bassat; a practical workshop on the use of artificial intelligence in research; and a keynote lecture by Anna Roca, ICREA Research Professor at ISGlobal, on how epidemiological evidence shapes global policy priorities.