Project Scope

Vision:
Our vision is a connected, resilient healthcare system where digitalization, practical prevention offerings, and environmental responsibility are closely integrated, empowering people in all areas of life to make health-conscious decisions.
Mission:
The mission of the IU research center and its collaborators is to explore the connections between health and the environment and to strengthen Public Health. We utilize scientific standards of evidence generation and the innovative power of digital health to develop practical solutions for a sustainable healthcare system.
Innovative Approaches and Holistic Insights
Digital Health: We leverage a multifaceted approach focusing on the synergy between individual users, application utility, and organizational readiness. Our research investigates how these factors affect the use of digital health solutions.
Public Health: Our focus is on identifying and promoting health-relevant behaviors and exploring the economic potential of prevention offerings. This emphasizes a proactive shift in healthcare systems.
Planetary Health: We prioritize fostering public health through healthy living environments and enhancing the protection of vulnerable populations. Our research aligns health initiatives with broader environmental and societal goals.

01.10.2025 – 31.03.2029
Our core questions
Relevance for Healthcare
Given our mission to explore the connections between the environment and health, and our commitment to strengthening public health through digital innovation, our strategies are centered on:
Integration of Digital Health Solutions: We focus on how user engagement, application effectiveness, and organizational readiness contribute to the successful implementation of digital health tools. This aligns with our mission to utilize digital innovation for sustainable healthcare, fostering a connected, resilient system.
Advancing Preventive Public Health Strategies: We emphasize identifying and promoting health-relevant behaviors and exploring the economic potential of preventive measures. This aligns with our vision of integrating practical prevention offerings into healthcare systems to empower informed decision-making.
Environmental and Social Responsibility in Planetary Health: We advocate for healthy living environments that enhance public health while protecting vulnerable populations. Our efforts align with global environmental goals and reflect our strategy to drive innovative, socially responsible outcomes.
By aligning healthcare strategies with these core insights, we aim to enhance service delivery and cultivate sustainable health systems. This comprehensive approach equips our center to lead health innovation effectively.

Involved Professors

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Völker
Professor for Public Health
Spatial Epidemiology
Health Data Science
Health Geography

Prof. Dr. Brit Schneider

Prof. Dr. Andreas Heinz
Professor for Public Health
Health system research
eHealth acceptance, simulation

Prof. Dr. Anne Schwerk
