HEAL Conferences

HEAL 2026 is the flagship annual event of the Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network funded by the NHMRC Special Initiative in Human Health and Environmental Change. HEAL strives to increase sustainability and reduce our carbon footprint as part of our commitment to improving the health of all people and the environment, and the HEAL 2026 Conference has been designed to reflect this ethos. The hybrid format of the conference, with full online coverage and regional in-person sessions in all Australian states and territories, aims to stimulate interaction and minimise travel, energy use and waste.

From 2–5 November 2026, the conference will showcase how the HEAL National Research Network and other groups are shaping innovative research to support Australia’s National Health and Climate Strategy, national and regional decarbonisation and adaptation plans in Australia and the Asia-Pacific, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with strong commitment to elevating First Nations and grassroots leadership. Building on last year’s success, the conference brings together leading voices from Australia and internationally to spotlight community-led responses to environmental change.

HEAL 2026 will feature inspiring case studies, cutting-edge science, and policy-focused dialogue on adaptation, community resilience to climate extremes and environmental degradation, mental health and One Health.

The hybrid conference will be delivered in-person at eight regional hubs across Australia on 2nd November 2026, and online nationally and internationally on 3rd, 4th and 5th November 2026. HEAL 2026 offers multiple ways to connect, collaborate, and drive action for a healthier, climate-resilient future.

We look forward to welcoming you to HEAL 2026!

Monday 2 Nov –Various times – In-person & online, regional HUB Events. See Regional HUB Sessions below for details.

Wednesday 4 November 2026 (15:00 AEDT)

1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and knowledge translation for building resilience to environmental change
   Presentations will highlight the importance of supporting Indigenous community researchers and leaders, caring for Country through Indigenous stewardship practices, responding to climate-related health impacts, and co-designing locally driven resilience initiatives.
   
2. At-risk populations, early life effects and life-course solutions
   In this session we will hear from seven speakers on two key themes. The first presents evidence quantifying exposure-health relationships. The second turns to adaptation, preparedness and service systems.
   
3. Health impacts of bushfires, air pollution and extreme events
   This session will explore the health impacts of climate-related environmental exposures, including wildfire smoke, air pollution, haze events, and extreme heat.
   
4. Food, soil and water safety and security in a changing environment
   This session explores the interconnected challenges of food, soil and water security in a changing environment, bringing together research on resilient food systems, climate adaptation, environmental exposures and public health. 
   
5. Biosecurity, and emerging infections in the context of environmental change
   This session focuses on climate-sensitive infectious diseases (CSIDs), bringing together presenters to share the latest research from Australia and around the world. 
   
6. Urban health, built environment and nature-based solutions
   In this session we will hear from eight speakers working across urban health, built environment and nature-based solutions. This year’s presentations explore urban heating and cooling, green and blue spaces, indoor air quality and urban allergens.

Thursday 5 November 2026 (14:45 AEDT)

1. Rural and remote health and climate-related disasters
   Rural and remote communities are among the most exposed to the health impacts of extreme weather. This session will explore how geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and existing health inequities in rural and remote locations intersect with climate risks to create unique challenges and opportunities for action.
   
2. Health systems sustainability and resilience to climate change
   This session explores how health systems in Australia and beyond can respond to environmental, operational and policy challenges of climate change
   
3. Data and decision support systems for environmental health applications
   This session showcases data platforms, analytical tools and decision-support systems that translate environmental health evidence into action. 
   
4. Science communication, policy translation and impact
   This session will examine how different forms of knowledge can support healthier, more resilient societies.
   
5. Climate change and mental health and wellbeing
   Climate change is increasingly affecting mental health through extreme heat, disasters, environmental change and concerns about the future. This session brings together researchers and mental health experts to examine emerging evidence, vulnerable populations and adaptation opportunities.