Public engagement activities
Public Engagement refers to the strategies and activities through which the University and its structures seek the involvement of all sectors of society in dynamic processes of interaction and active participation. This involvement is based on an open, multidirectional dialogue aimed at valorizing the knowledge of every participant involved and at broadening and amplifying the social impact of actions by promoting understanding, collaboration, and the co-creation of shared value. The goal of Public Engagement is to listen to and give voice to the public and all stakeholders, building a meaningful, long-term bond, in addition to informing and raising awareness. Engaging with the public can help research design solutions that better address society's interests, priorities, and concerns.
In this context, the DSS promotes dialogue with the local community with educational, cultural, and societal development value.
The activities carried out by DSS professors and researchers in 2024 focused on:
- collaboration with professional associations to organize training events on specific topics (such as health and gender identity, gender-specific medicine, palliative care) and continuing education for healthcare professionals on key issues (such as vaccinations, cervical screening programs, clinical research methodology).
- participatory democracy and dissemination initiatives, which involved faculty in meetings and conferences with citizens, institutions, and associations on relevant issues such as health literacy, safeguarding the right to health through fair and equitable access to care services, patient safety and healthcare liability, vaccine hesitancy, rare diseases, physical and psychological health protection, as well as the protection and support of victims of violence, abuse, vulnerable individuals, and minors.
- engagement and interaction activities with schools on topics such as adolescent mental health, cancer prevention, physical activity and healthy eating promotion, and the prevention, countering, and protection of victims of youth deviances related to substance abuse, substance and technology addiction, and violent behavior, including bullying and cyberbullying.
- participation in working groups and committees involved in policy-making activities, such as the JACARDI Consortium promoted by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA).
- participation in two high-impact outreach websites, such as VACCINARSINTOSCANA, which aims to provide clear, consistent, and reliable information about vaccines and to address the needs of Tuscan citizens, and the website Salute Internazionale, which aims to promote the right to health globally.
Department Public Engagement Projects
Last update
31.07.2026