Health promotion and resilience

This focus area centres on promoting health and stimulating the physical, mental and social resilience of citizens.

We have extensive expertise in the field of prevention and health promotion and in strengthening social networks and individual resilience among various population groups, such as vulnerable groups in society. We also have a great deal of knowledge about how behaviour, cognition and emotions are related to illness and health.

The insights gained from fundamental research are being used to develop numerous implementations, such as lifestyle and self-management programmes for patients with chronic diseases and citizens in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, and communication training for healthcare professionals. Our knowledge is bundled in interdisciplinary research and education programmes and networks, such as the Population Health or Social Resilience and Security incentive programmes.