In service of Public Health at WashU, the Institute for Public Health annually co-hosts a popular and informative annual conference surrounding timely issues in public health.

In an effort to combine the existing strengths of public health at WashU with the community and region, the Public Health at WashU Annual Conference is a collaborative effort between the Office of the Provost, WashU’s strategic vision—Here and Next, and the Institute for Public Health.  

The popular event features an introduction by the university chancellor or provost and the Larry J. Shapiro Director of the Institute for Public Health, William G. Powderly, MD, regarding the latest public health news and findings, issues and advocacy. Also discussed is the outstanding  public health work conducted by WashU’s 400+ Public Health Faculty Scholars across both campuses who work interdisciplinarily within all eight schools at Washington University in St. Louis. 

Public Health Annual Conference Audience Q&A

The audience participates in panel discussions with nationally-recognized speakers and public health experts from the university, St. Louis and beyond and poster presentations concerning conference themes and general public health topics follow. Attendees have the opportunity to network with speakers and panelists, poster presenters, and fellow students and colleagues.

Just some of the core public health topics at past conferences have included Infant and maternal health, action toward health equity, evidence-based public health, mental health and obesity and focusing on the “public” in public health.

2024 Annual Conference

The 17th Annual Public Health at WashU Conference will be presented this October. Stay tuned to this page for details, participation opportunities and registration.
Past annual conferences

Focusing on the PUBLIC in Public Health
2023 Conference Details

Health as a Human Right
2022 Conference Details

Transforming Public Health: Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future
2021 Conference Details

Covid-19 Pandemic: Response, Lessons Learned and Recovery
2020 Conference Details

Healthy Moms and Babies: Paving the Path to Reproductive Equity
2019 Conference Details

Action Toward Health Equity: Conversations with Local Leaders
2018 Conference Details

Why Science Matters: The Case for Evidence-Based Public Health
2017 Conference Details

Mental Health is Public Health: Innovative Approaches to Behavioral Resilience
2016 Conference Details

Prepared for Peril: Readiness and Recovery for Public Health Threats
2015 Conference Details

Public Good & Individual Choice: Navigating the Complexities of Public Health in a Modern Society
2014 Conference Details

Weighing In: The Public Health Impact & Promise of Science in Addressing Obesity
2013 Conference Details

Addressing the Public Health Challenges of the 21st Century
2012 Conference Details

Beyond Borders: Transforming Health at Home and Abroad
2011 Conference Details

Reducing Disparities on National and State Levels
2010 Conference Details

Multidisciplinary Approaches to Eliminate Disparities
2009 Conference Details

Inaugural Institute for Public Health Symposium
2008 Conference Details