Message from the HEAL 2026 Conference Co-Chair
The 6th International HEAL 2026 conference themed: “Time to Listen, Learn and Act for Lasting Impact on Healthy Environments and Lives”, is a four-day hybrid conference exploring the urgent health, climate, and environmental challenges facing Australia, the Asia-Pacific region, and the world.
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!
HEAL 2026 Conference Co-Chair, On behalf of the HEAL National Research Network
Professor
Registration to HEAL 2026 is free of charge!
Join HEAL2026 and connect with researchers, First Nations leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and community advocates to drive impactful solutions for climate, health, and equity—register now to be part of the conversation from anywhere.
Call for Abstracts
Call for Abstracts for HEAL 2026 Conference are open from 1 July 2026 – 17 August 2026.
Prizes will be awarded to:
- Best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Project
- Best EMCR Oral Presentation
- Best EMCR e-Poster Presentation
Abstracts are accepted under the HEAL2026 Conference Themes listed below.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and knowledge translation for building resilience to environmental change
2. Health systems sustainability and resilience to climate change
3. Health impacts of bushfires, air pollution and extreme events
4. Food, soil and water safety and security in a changing environment
5. Biosecurity, and emerging infections in the context of environmental change
6. Urban health, built environment and nature-based solutions
7. Rural and remote health and climate-related disasters
8. At-risk populations, early life effects and life-course solutions
9. Data and decision support systems for environmental health applications
10. Science communication, policy translation and impact
11. Climate change and mental health and wellbeing
12. AI, Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Environmental Health and Resilience
Together, we can amplify the impact of the HEAL Conference. Use the HEAL Conference Toolkit and branded assets to share conference news and promote the event across your channels.
HEAL Sustainability Statement
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. Information and tips on how to reduce the carbon footprint of your participation in the conference can be found in the HEAL 2026 Sustainability Statement.