Last week, early-career researchers and communication experts from across Europe gathered in Vienna for the PEROSH Summer School 2026, hosted by the Austrian Workers’ Compensation Board (AUVA). The four-day programme, held from 22–25 June, focused on a challenge that lies at the heart of occupational safety and health (OSH): how to turn research into practice and policy that makes a real difference in workplaces.
The Summer School brought together 21 participants from nine PEROSH member institutes, representing a remarkable diversity of disciplines, including ergonomics, psychology, epidemiology, chemistry, microbiology, biomedicine, metallurgy, and occupational health practice. Alongside early-career researchers, communication specialists contributed their expertise, creating a unique environment for interdisciplinary learning and exchange.
Bridging the Gap Between Evidence and Action
The central theme of this year’s Summer School was “From Occupational Safety and Health Research to Practice and Policy.” Participants explored how scientific evidence can be translated into workplace improvements, organisational change, effective communication strategies, and evidence-informed policymaking. The initiative reflects PEROSH’s commitment to supporting the next generation of OSH professionals and strengthening Europe’s research community.
The programme opened with welcome addresses from Steffen Bohni Nielsen, Chair of PEROSH, and Georg Effenberger of AUVA. Throughout the week, participants engaged with leading experts who shared perspectives on research communication, policy advice, stakeholder engagement, and the practical implementation of scientific findings. Topics ranged from effective science communication and policy advisory work to innovative approaches for communicating research results in occupational safety and health.
Learning by Doing
A defining feature of the Summer School was its highly interactive format. Participants not only presented their own research and communication projects but also worked collaboratively on practical assignments designed to strengthen their communication skills. Workshops on elevator pitches, infographic creation, and social media communication challenged participants to distil complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging messages for diverse audiences.
These hands-on exercises highlighted an increasingly important reality for researchers: generating evidence is only part of the job. Ensuring that findings reach policymakers, employers, workers, and other stakeholders is essential if research is to achieve meaningful impact.
The Power of Diversity and Networking
According to participant feedback, one of the greatest strengths of the Summer School was the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives represented in the group. Researchers and practitioners from different countries, disciplines, and professional cultures exchanged ideas, challenged assumptions, and identified opportunities for future collaboration. Participants highlighted the practical relevance of discussions and the value of receiving constructive feedback from peers and experts
The collaborative atmosphere fostered lively debate, new professional connections, and what several participants described as a broader understanding of how research can contribute to societal change. The event demonstrated the value of bringing together people with complementary expertise to address complex occupational safety and health challenges.
Building Future Leaders in OSH
The Vienna Summer School forms part of PEROSH’s broader effort to nurture the next generation of occupational safety and health researchers and practitioners. By combining scientific excellence with communication, policy, and implementation perspectives, the programme equips participants with skills that extend well beyond traditional research training.
As the event concluded, participants left Vienna with new knowledge, expanded networks, fresh ideas, and a renewed commitment to ensuring that research delivers tangible benefits for workers across Europe. The message emerging from the Summer School was clear: impact happens when research, communication, practice, and policy come together.
PEROSH would like to thank AUVA, particularly Marie Jelenko and Christian Schenk, as well as all speakers, workshop leaders, and participants for making the Summer School such a success. Together, they helped create an inspiring learning environment that will continue to influence occupational safety and health research long after the event itself.
Interview with Sebastian Schmitt from IFA:
Reflection of Marie Jelenko and Christian Schenk, moderators of the PEROSH Summer School:
