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Time to act: the healthcare system needs more prevention
Volkswagen Foundation and German Science and Humanities Council send signal for stronger focus on health with international conference
Panel discussion on the WR position paper Translating Prevention and Health Promotion into Action in Research, Health Care and Society with (from left) Tobias Schmid (Host), Veronika von Messling, Falko Mohrs, Georg Schütte, Cornelia Betsch, Danielle Jansen and Wolfgang Philipp
An ageing population, a shortage of skilled workers, the increase in chronic diseases and climate-related health risks make it more urgent than ever to shift society's focus towards disease prevention and health promotion. This not only applies to Germany, but also to Europe and from a global perspective. Health does not depend solely on individual decisions. Healthy living conditions and environments also play a crucial role.
The conference ‘Preventive Health Care: From Research to Action’, organised by the German Science and Humanities Council (WR) and the Volkswagen Foundation in Hanover, brought together around 200 international experts from science and politics, business and healthcare on 25 February 2026. The discussions focused on European experiences and best practices in prevention research, policy and healthcare practice. The crucial question was: How can evidence-based action for disease prevention succeed across all sectors of society? The conference was based on the position paper ‘Translating Prevention and Health Promotion into Action in Research, Health Care and Society’ published by the German Science and Humanities Council in early February.
The chair of the WR, Wolfgang Wick, presents the WR position paper "Translating Prevention and Health Promotion into Action in Research, Health Care and Society", which provides impetus for health-oriented change in Germany.
“Our healthcare system is too much of a repair shop and should focus more on prevention. We also need the binding commitment of many stakeholders – from politics, education, science, healthcare, but also society and industry – to strengthen the health of the population systemically”, emphasised Wolfgang Wick, Chair of the Science Council. The participants agreed on the need to prioritise the implementation of prevention. “Of course, more research is important. But we know a lot and there are many tools available. It is now time to act and quickly strengthen prevention”, said Wick.
There is too little translation of scientific evidence into practical action. “There is consensus that prevention is important. But its application must be improved. This requires better communication and, above all, more cooperation and coordination – on the part of politicians and within the healthcare system. Prevention must become a priority”, emphasised Georg Schütte, CEO of the Volkswagen Foundation.
View of the lecture hall: Around 200 guests attended the conference ‘Preventive Health Care: From Research to Action’.
All of the experts agreed that the value of health goes far beyond the scope of the healthcare system. Experience in Finland, the Netherlands and other European countries shows that consistent, long-term prevention strategies can lead to measurable and sustainable improvements in public health. At the same time, it is important to be bold and not to wait for regulations, but to actively promote disease prevention across institutions and create environments that promote health.
The knowledge of a whole range of scientific disciplines and professions – from education and social services to psychology and healthcare – must be utilised and brought together. A target group-oriented approach across different media formats is needed to create culturally and behaviourally sensitive health communication. Another key factor is involving people and using real-world data to better understand the actual effects and needs of health-promoting measures in research.
The international conference ‘Preventive Health Care: From Research to Action’ was organised by the German Council of Science and Humanities in cooperation with the Volkswagen Foundation. In the picture: Georg Schütte (CEO ,Volkswagen Foundation) and Wolfgang Wick (Chair of the WR)
The conference, held jointly with the Volkswagen Foundation, marked the start of further activities and dialogue formats that the German Science and Humanities Council will implement to promote prevention and enhance the impact of the WR’s position paper. To this end, the Council will also collaborate with the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and other partners. As part of its funding priority on prevention, the Dietmar Hopp Foundation is providing the Science Council with key resources to facilitate exchange and effectively support the implementation of activities.
The conference took place as part of the Science Year 2026 on the topic of ‘Medicine of the Future’.
Further information
Position paper
Podcast
"Prävention statt Reparatur" (25. Februar 2026) | Wie wir unser Gesundheitssystem neu ausrichten
Pictures: Burkert & Pilar