Welcome

The 5^th International HEAL 2025 conference themed: “Weaving Diverse Knowledges into Climate Action for Better Health”, is a four-day hybrid conference exploring the urgent health, climate, and environmental challenges facing Australia, the Asia-Pacific region, and the world. HEAL 2025 is the flagship annual event of the Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network funded by the NHMRC Special Initiative in Human Health and Environmental Change. HEAL strives to increase sustainability and reduce our carbon footprint as part of our commitment to improving the health of all people and the environment, and the HEAL 2025 Conference has been designed to reflect this ethos. The hybrid format of the conference, with full online coverage and regional in-person sessions in all Australian states and territories, aims to stimulate interaction and minimise travel, energy use and waste.

Kicking off with a pre-conference session on Global South on 3rd November, the program brings together leading voices from Australia and internationally to spotlight community-led responses to environmental change.

From 4–6 November, the main conference will showcase how the HEAL National Research Network and other groups are shaping innovative research to support Australia’s National Health and Climate Strategy, national and regional decarbonisation and adaptation plans in Australia and the Asia-Pacific, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with strong commitment to elevating First Nations and grassroots leadership. HEAL 2025 will feature inspiring case studies, cutting-edge science, and policy-focused dialogue on climate litigation, adaptation, community resilience to climate extremes and environmental degradation, mental health, One Health, and international health security.

The hybrid conference will be delivered in-person at eight regional hubs across Australia on 4th November, and online nationally and internationally on 3rd, 5th and 6th November. HEAL 2025 offers multiple ways to connect, collaborate, and drive action for a healthier, climate-resilient future.

We look forward to welcoming you to HEAL 2025!

Prof Sotiris Vardoulakis & A/Prof Veronica Matthews

HEAL 2025 Conference Co-Chairs

On behalf of the HEAL National Research Network