How can we, jointly and in practice, work ethically towards health equity and justice worldwide? This summer school focuses on urgent topics in global health ethics and equity.
Together with an enthusiastic team of experts from across the globe, participants will explore the major contemporary challenges in this field, as well as the approaches needed to address them. In 2026 we celebrate the fifth edition of this summer school.
We find ourselves in uncharted times, marked by global turmoil and overlapping crises that deeply impact health, especially for marginalized and vulnerable populations. Throughout this week, we explore why it remains crucial to uphold ethical principles and values in global health, even - or especially - in such challenging times. We will discuss specific ethical challenges across a range of domains, including research and clinical ethics, health systems research, climate ethics, the ethics of humanitarian crises, social justice, artificial intelligence in global health, patient engagement, and equitable partnerships.
During the week there will be ample time for ethical reflection, interactive learning, and in-depth discussion among participants and experts.
What previous participants shared about their experience:
"It was really wonderful and I feel so inspired by the participants, teachers, dynamics etc! Even though I came out with more questions, I also feel more motivated to do what I can within my sphere of influence!"
Lecturers of the 2026 Global Health Ethics & Equity summer school are:
This course is open to all with an interest in global health and health equity:
Guest lecturers will provide interactive sessions, alternated by small group work, to address the following learning objectives:
Full-time, one week in Utrecht (the Netherlands).
This course has the following fee options, based on your individual circumstances and application date:
| Registration date | LMIC-based* | HIC-based** |
| Early bird | €475,- | €740,- |
| Late bird | €580,- | €900,- |
The fees include course materials, coffee, tea, fruit, Dutch cookies and a daily (vegetarian) lunch. These early bird registration fees apply until 1 April 2026.
*LMIC are low- and middle-income countries, as classified by the World Bank. Participants can apply for the LMIC fee based on the location of the institution which they are affiliated to. HIC are high-income countries, as classified by the World Bank. Erasmus+ KA107 or KA171 participants pay full fee.
**For participants working in the private sector, late bird HIC-fee applies (€900,-)
If you combine this summer school with other Global Health courses, there is an additional discount of € 30 per course. Please mention this in your application, so we can apply the discount.
The housing costs do not include a Utrecht Summer School sleeping bag. This is a separate product on the invoice. If you wish to bring your own bedding, please deselect or remove the sleeping bag from your order.
For this course you are required to upload the following documents when applying:
