On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, APH hosted the first edition of the 'APH GezondheidsWerkplaats', bringing together researchers, societal partners, and experts by experience to collaborate on addressing public health challenges.
Collaborating for public health
Within the APH research network, we usually focus on connecting researchers with one another. With the 'APH GezondheidsWerkplaats', APH aims to take this a step further by strengthening collaboration and cocreation between researchers, societal partners and experts by experience, to jointly address public health challenges and to create more impact.
“My dream was to bring all stakeholders around public health challenges together to join forces for a healthier world, and today that idea became reality” - Cécile Boot, APH director
A day of collaboration in action
The day aimed to foster collaboration between stakeholders focusing on six divers public health challenges. Esther Gervers from Gloedmakers facilitated the day, guiding participants at six thematic tables through a variety of interactive work formats. The 50 participants worked together on their public health challenges: getting to know one another, exploring different perspectives, and drafting manifestos with concrete agreements for future collaboration and plans for action. At the end of the day, the six thematic tables presented their manifestos to one another.
Six public health challenges
The six thematic tables, the public health challenges they addressed, and the participating APH researchers and stakeholders are presented below.
Public health challenge | APH researcher(s) | Stakeholders | |
1 | How can we make culturally sensitive prevention and mental health care in the perinatal phase accessible and effective for women with a migration or refugee background? | Anke Witteveen | Stichting Right to Create, GGD Amsterdam, COA Amsterdam, Trimbos Instituut, two experts by experience |
2 | What requirements should conversational AI applications meet to ensure they are safe, effective, transparent and accessible to everyone in communication with patients? | Linda Peute-Dusseljee | Sigra, Inquira Health, Amsterdamse Huisartsenalliantie, one expert by experience |
3 | How can we improve access to preventive mental health care for people without residence documents? | Dominique Jolivet, Sietske Tamminga | Gemeente Amsterdam, Kruispost, Here to Support, University of Amsterdam, Arkin, one expert by experience |
4 | How can we strengthen school attendance and gain better insight into (sickness) absenteeism among secondary school students in Amsterdam? | Malon van den Hof, Mariëtte Hoogsteder | GGD Amsterdam, Samenwerkingsverband Voortgezet Onderwijs Amsterdam, one expert by experience from the Adviesraad Eigenwijsheid, Gemeente Amsterdam |
5 | What is needed to make the indication for obesity care less dependent on burdensome measurements, without compromising quality, fairness and reimbursement structures? | Bibian van der Voorn, Renée IJzerman | De Kinderartsenpraktijk, GGD Amsterdam, Stichting Gezondheidscentrum Amsterdam Zuidoost & Diemen |
6 | How can people with poor health, and their loved ones, prepare for acute deterioration in health, so that it is clear what they can do at home as well? | Eva Bolt, Puck Hoitinga | Two experts by experience from the Netwerk Palliatieve Zorg Amsterdam-Diemen, Stichting Centram, Markant: centrum voor mantelzorg, Zilveren Kruis, Amsterdamse Huisartsenpraktijk, Buurtzorg Nederland |
Impact and next steps
The first edition of the 'APH GezondheidsWerkplaats' was a great success, creating valuable space for collaboration between researchers, societal partners, and experts by experience. By bringing diverse perspectives together, we can truly make a difference in public health in Amsterdam. In the upcoming period APH will further support the researchers with the next steps in addressing the public health challenges.
Soon, we will share an aftermovie to give you an inside look at this event. APH also intends to organize a second edition of the 'APH GezondheidsWerkplaats' next year. More information on how to participate will be shared in the APH newsletter. We look forward to welcoming other researchers and stakeholders next year.
Photos by Walter van Polanen