Sciana – New European health leaders network launched

A ground breaking international initiative that will bring together health care leaders from the UK, Switzerland and Germany has been launched to address challenges and improve health and health care across Europe and beyond.

The Sciana network, which will have its first meeting in Salzburg this week (26-29 April 2017), is an international collaboration between the Health Foundation, Careum Stiftung and the Robert Bosch Stiftung, and delivery partner Salzburg Global Seminar. It will see outstanding leaders in health and health care policy work together over the next two years to find solutions to shared challenges being faced in health and health care across Europe.

Against a backdrop of financial strain, demographic change, chronic diseases, and migration, the network will provide members with time and space to share insights gained from their own experiences and debate new and innovative approaches to health care and health policy, with the potential to make real and lasting change to future health care delivery.

Seventeen members including health policymakers, practitioners, academics, and public sector leaders will make up the first meeting - with each organisation contributing six members. Salzburg Global Seminar will coordinate and deliver the programmes, and will support members in the running of activities, including leading workshops, and showcasing and developing policy proposals.

Dr Jennifer Dixon, Chief Executive of the Health Foundation, said: 'We are excited to be supporting this unique and innovative network of health care leaders. During a time when our relationship with Europe is going through unprecedented transformation, we are delighted to be contributing to a health project that will build even stronger links with our European peers. Sciana is built around our common challenges that we face as European neighbours. It is an opportunity to foster and focus this talent and energy, for the benefit of our respective health care systems.'

Hans Gut, President, Careum Stiftung, said: 'Careum aims to offer committed and interested health experts in positions of influence the opportunity to discuss important questions with their colleagues in an inspiring setting. Members are expected to share their experiences and learn from one another. The international alumni network should help the Sciana members to keep in touch outside of the seminars.'

Dr. Bernadette Klapper, Head Department of Health, Robert Bosch Stiftung, said: 'The Robert Bosch Stiftung is dedicated to finding sustainable solutions for future societies. For us, Sciana is more than three foundations working together and building an international network. It’s about bringing the right health care experts together, to find the solutions to tomorrow’s health challenges, today.'  

Media contact

Peter Stilwell
Senior External Affairs Manager
020 7664 4647
peter.stilwell@health.org.uk