EHPS 2024

The 38th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society (EHPS 2024) took place from 3 to 6 September 2024 at the stunning Centro de Congresos do Estoril in Cascais, Portugal. The venue, located between the renowned Sintra Natural Park and the Atlantic Ocean, offered an inspiring setting for the event.

Held in a hybrid format, this year’s conference drew over 1,000 researchers, academics, students, and practitioners from 47 countries, with more than 850 submissions presented across a broad range of health psychology topics.

The European Health Psychology Society (EHPS), the umbrella organization of the event, continues to advance empirical and theoretical research in health psychology across Europe, promoting international collaboration and sharing of knowledge. The EHPS Scientific Committee, led by Professors Vera Araujo-Soares and Efrat Neter, ensured that the program maintained the highest academic standards, while Professors Marta Marques and Cristina Godinho chaired the Organizing Committee.

Under the theme “Health Psychology for a Sustainable Future,” EHPS 2024 featured 23 thematic tracks, covering all aspects of health psychology, such as Well-being Across the Lifespan, Health Behaviour Models, Coping with Disease, and Occupational Health. Notably, 240 submissions were presented in poster format, providing participants the opportunity to engage deeply with innovative health psychology research.

As in previous years, EHPS hosted its renowned satellite events:

1. CREATE Interactive Workshop – aimed at early career researchers, fostering essential knowledge and skills.
2. CREATE Meet the Expert – an invaluable opportunity for early career researchers to connect with experts like Amanda Daley, Paschal Sheeran, and Jeremy Grimshaw.
3. SYNERGY Workshop – this year’s theme, Research synergies for the future: Advancing environmental health psychology, encouraged participants to explore environmental health psychology in depth.

In addition, EHPS 2024 hosted eight insightful pre-conference workshops, including sessions such as “An Introduction to the Multiphase Optimisation Strategy and Optimisation Trials” and “Co-creation Theory and Methods in Health Interventions.” These workshops enriched the academic experience, setting the stage for the main conference.

Four keynote speakers, leaders in their respective fields, delivered powerful presentations:

1. Prof. Amanda Daley (University of Birmingham): “Making Every Healthcare Consultation Count: Promoting Health Behaviour Change in Primary Care.”
2. Prof. Paschal Sheeran (University of North Carolina): “Tasks in Health Behaviour Change.”
3. Prof. Sonia Dias (Nova University of Lisbon): “Public Health Challenges and the Role of Social Sciences.”
4. Prof. Jeremy Grimshaw (University of Ottawa): “Implementing Evidence-based Policies and Practices in Health.”

The award ceremonies highlighted groundbreaking research, impactful interventions, and promising new directions in health psychology, fostering a spirit of continued advancement and collaboration across the discipline.

• EHPS Fellowship Award Winners: Kyra Hamilton (Griffith University), Barbara Mullan (Curtin University), Benjamin Schuz (University of Bremen), Felix Naughton (University of East Anglia).
• Stan Maes Early Career Award Winners: Jacob Crawshaw (Ottawa Hospital Research Institute), Hannah Durand (University of Stirling), Jacob Keech (Griffith University).
• Herman Schaalma Awards: Louise Foley (University of Galway), Thomas Gullzow (University of Netherlands).
• EHPS OS SIG Student Award: Christopher M. Jones (Heidelberg University).

Besides the academic part, the social events at EHPS 2024 also offered a perfect blend of networking and discovery of Estoril’s beauty. The Welcome Reception, set against the backdrop of live local music, kicked off the festivities, bringing the community together in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. The highlight was the unforgettable Conference Dinner at the Casino Estoril, where attendees enjoyed lively concerts, danced the night away, and celebrated until the early morning hours, all while soaking in the charm and elegance of Portugal’s stunning coastal gem.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, EHPS 2024 made conscious efforts throughout the conference, focusing on eco-friendly transport, waste reduction, and even introducing a Sustainability Travel Award to promote sustainable practices among attendees. This year’s winners are Anouk Mesch (Wageningen University), Carole Ruttimann, and Melanie Bamert (University of Bern). Furthermore, the program also featured a dedicated track on Climate Change and Sustainability, highlighting the urgent need to integrate these concepts into health psychology.

Special thanks to our sponsors for their Scientific and Institutional Patronage

1. Comprehensive Health Research – A leader in advancing health-related research, and promoting evidence-based interventions in public health.
2. Turismo De Portugal – The national tourism authority of Portugal, supporting sustainable tourism and international conferences in the region.
3. Nova Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública – A leading public health institution in Portugal, offering cutting-edge research and education.
4. EGAS Moniz School of Health and Science – Renowned for its contributions to the fields of health and biomedical science in Portugal.

Finally, EasyConferences managed the registration system, abstract submission, website, coordination, and secretariat support.

Looking Ahead to EHPS 2025

Next year, EHPS 2025 will take place in Groningen, the Netherlands. Known as the youngest city in the Netherlands, with 25% of its student population, Groningen boasts excellent train connections and a dynamic atmosphere. It is the perfect location for another inspiring EHPS conference. You can watch a preview of Groningen here.

To view photos from EHPS 2024, visit the following link and share your memories on one of the official EHPS 2024 social media channels.