Learning from the WHO Academy: Bridging Innovation and Global Public Health

In June 2025, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Education and Training at Imperial College London launched a new initiative, thanks to our Co-Director Celine Tabche’s networking to enhance international learning opportunities for Master’s students from the School of Public Health. Inspired by the growing success of the long-running educational visit to WHO Headquarters in Geneva (more here), the Centre introduced a pilot programme: a parallel study trip to the WHO Academy in Lyon, France.

This initiative marks a significant step in expanding our students’ exposure to cutting-edge global health training, with the WHO Academy offering a unique environment to complement the Geneva experience.

Why the WHO Academy?

As a global hub for public health learning and innovation, the WHO Academy plays a key role in equipping health professionals with essential competencies across WHO Member States. Its state-of-the-art facilities and forward-thinking approach make it an ideal partner in our effort to prepare students for real-world challenges in global health.

The decision to create a learning opportunity at the Academy not only reflects the increasing interest among students for international engagement but also strengthens the academic and institutional ties between Imperial College London and WHO. It enhances the visibility of the WHO Academy as a leader in public health training and positions Imperial College as a partner in shaping the next generation of global health professionals.

For the Academy, hosting students from Imperial is an opportunity to showcase its leadership in competency-based education, expand collaborative pathways, and reaffirm its commitment to building global health capacity.

Inside the WHO Academy: Learning through Innovation

During their time in Lyon, students engaged in immersive learning experiences that brought theory to life. The visit offered firsthand exposure to the Academy’s advanced training environments, including:

• High-fidelity clinical simulation labs
• Interactive digital and gaming-based learning tools
• Methods for designing and evaluating impactful health education programmes

Students also learned about the WHO’s evolving approach to workforce development and explored diverse public health career opportunities. Many left the experience feeling motivated, curious, and better prepared to envision their future roles in global health.

“One highlight was participating in a WHO Emergency Operations Centre simulation. We worked through pandemic scenarios (including zoonotic threats), focusing on infection prevention and control (IPC), lab capacity, and coordinated response within an Incident Management System – a first for me!” Roshwini Muthiah, on of the trip participants

Beyond the Classroom: Broader Perspectives in Lyon

The visit also included time at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)—the world’s largest institution dedicated to cancer research, currently celebrating its 60th anniversary. Here, students had the chance to:

• Explore advanced research laboratories and biobanks with over 6.5 million samples
• Interact with world-class researchers in epidemiology and cancer prevention
• Learn how IARC contributes to global health through evidence-based cancer strategies

Additionally, a visit to Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 gave students a comparative view of public health and pharmacy education in France. These interactions enriched their understanding of how resilient and culturally responsive health systems are developed in different contexts.

“These experiences have reinforced my belief in the importance of lifelong learning, cross-sector collaboration, and evidence-informed action in advancing health equity. I look forward to carrying these lessons forward — and to continue learning, adapting, and contributing wherever I can.” Sara Getter, trip participant

Key Learning Outcomes

This pilot visit was designed to bridge academic knowledge with practical insight, offering students a multidimensional learning experience. Core outcomes included:

1. Understand WHO’s structure, goals, and role in shaping international health policies.
2. Gain insight into how WHO collaborates with national and regional stakeholders to address complex health issues.
3. Explore current Health Programmes and Strategies.
4. Explore Innovation through the WHO Academy’s new technologies and approaches redefining health education and delivery.
5. Recognise the impact of international cooperation on population health outcomes.
6. Develop cultural sensitivity and effective communication in global contexts.
7. Apply Academic Learning in Real-World Settings.
8. Explore opportunities for future engagement with WHO, NGOs, and multilateral health institutions.

Community, Culture, and Connection

Beyond formal learning, the trip created a strong sense of community. Students shared experiences, meals, and stories—building bonds with peers and professionals alike. For many, the trip was not only academically enriching but also personally transformative.

Behind the Programme: A Collaborative Effort

The trip was coordinated by Ela Augustyniak, Project Manager at the WHO Collaborating Centre. The visit was made possible through close collaboration with the WHO Academy. Special thanks are extended to Florentina Rafael and Laura van Hoek Seichon for their outstanding support and organisation on the ground.

The programme design was the result of collaboration and continuous discussions between Celine Tabche (Teaching Fellow and Co-Director, WHO Collaborating Centre) and Vibhuti Khara (Team Lead, Learning Delivery and Impact, WHO Academy), both of whom share a vision for building strong, innovative global health education.

Looking Ahead: Building a Long-Term Partnership

This pilot visit lays the groundwork for a lasting collaboration between Imperial College London’s WHO Collaborating Centre and the WHO Academy. Together, we aim to promote:

• Workforce development in global health
• Innovation in public health education
• Cross-border collaboration for lifelong learning

Our shared goal is to provide students with meaningful, transformative learning experiences that prepare them to become tomorrow’s leaders in global health.