For the past 16 years, the Institute for Public Health has hosted a popular and informative annual conference surrounding timely issues in public health.

Save the dates! The 2023 conference — Focusing on the Public in Public Health — will take place on October 23 &24. Learn more.

Beginning in 2023, in an effort to combine the existing strengths of public health in our university, community and region, the Public Health at WashU Annual Conference will be a collaborative effort between the Office of the Provost, WashU’s strategic vision—Here and Next, and the Institute for Public Health.  

Historically, the conference features an introduction by the university chancellor and Institute for Public Health director, 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 the institute and university faculty, staff and students across all eight schools at Washington University in St. Louis. 

Public Health Annual Conference Audience Q&A

The audience participates in panel discussions with the nationally-known speakers and public health experts from the university, St. Louis and beyond and there are judged poster presentations with prizes awarded. 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.

2022 Annual Conference

Health as a Human Right

Our 15th Annual Conference explored the concept of health as a human right and how health affects the enjoyment of our human rights, while a lack of access to human rights can affect our health.

Past annual conferences

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

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