Advancing Transdisciplinary Education for Planetary Health

The Planetary Health Education Hub (PHEH) is a transdisciplinary initiative of the faculties of Geosciences, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine, created to co-design, co-develop, and co-deliver a ‘Utrecht Approach’ to the Planetary Health crisis. Recognising the interdependent relationships among human health, ecosystem integrity, and the broader socio-economic and political context, the PHEH seeks to foster integrative educational pathways that enable learners and professionals to engage critically and effectively with complex problems that require creative solutions. Central to this educational vision is a commitment to social justice, which emphasises equitable access to knowledge, the inclusion of diverse perspectives, and the cultivation of skills needed to address the structural inequalities in Planetary Health.

Mission and Vision

The PHEH aims to advance education that transcends disciplinary boundaries, fostering collaboration, innovation, and reflexive pedagogy. The Hub supports the development of knowledge, competencies, and critical perspectives essential for transformative action toward planetary well-being.

Key Activities

The Planetary Health Education Hub will serve as a collaborative platform for developing and delivering education that addresses Planetary Health in multiple contexts, including:

• Development of a Master’s Programme in Planetary Health, rooted in transdisciplinary approaches and systems thinking.
• Provision of Summer Schools that promote interdisciplinary learning and global collaboration among students and early-career researchers.
• Development of Continuing Education and professional learning modules that enable practitioners to integrate Planetary Health principles into diverse sectors.
• Pedagogical innovation and training in transdisciplinary teaching and learning methods for educators and facilitators.