Impactful Communication for Impactful Science – Farewell Symposium of Nicole Probst-Hensch

The symposium explored how public health science can move beyond academic output such as scientific publications to catalyse real-world change. Discussions focused on the role of communication in building public trust, strengthening health literacy and supporting evidence-informed decision-making. In an increasingly complex information environment, participants highlighted both the opportunities and risks associated with new communication channels, including the need to convey uncertainty responsibly.

Sessions addressed the impact and challenges of exposome science – the study of how complex environmental exposures and broad risk patterns across the life course affect people’s health – the changing landscape of science journalism, and the art of communicating complexity in an attention-driven media environment. Contributions from young Swiss TPH researchers showcased ongoing work in areas such as tuberculosis epidemiology and urban public health, while panels brought together voices from academia, policy and industry to discuss how knowledge can be translated into action.

The symposium concluded with reflections on the role of communications in policy, prevention and partnerships, emphasising the need for approaches that are accessible, engaging and impactful.

The symposium marked the farewell of Nicole Probst-Hensch, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Basel and former Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Swiss TPH, a role she held for more than a decade until her retirement in August 2025. She continues to lead the Exposome Science research group at Swiss TPH. The symposium reflected her career, which has bridged communication and science, the private and public sectors, and a consistent focus on translating research into real-world impact.

Jürg Utzinger, Director of Swiss TPH, acknowledged Nicole Probst-Hensch's important contributions: “Nicole is a bedrock of public health in Switzerland and beyond. She is an innovator who always explored new territories. Everything she did, she did with passion.”

Nicole Probst-Hensch emphasised the broader responsibility of science: “The true benchmark of our work is not academic recognition, but whether we improve people’s health through our research research and engagement in dialogue with citizens and people shaping policy.”