The European Digital Health Literacy Conference

Reflections from the First European Digital Health Literacy Conference

Participating in the first European Digital Health Literacy Conference at Aalborg University was both an honour and an inspiring experience. The conference, organised by the Research Centre Health and Applied Technology UCN together with the Department of Health Science and Technology and supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, created an important platform for exchange, collaboration, and innovation in the field of digital health literacy.

Beyond the high-quality discussions and shared learning, the event highlighted something equally important: genuine human connection. At a time when digital interactions increasingly shape our professional and personal lives, opportunities for meaningful face-to-face dialogue remain essential.

The conference brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, students, and practitioners from across Europe, creating space for new partnerships, research ideas, and future collaborations. It was especially encouraging to witness the engagement of young medical students whose curiosity, clarity, and commitment reflected a hopeful future for healthcare and digital transformation.

The event also offered valuable opportunities to reconnect with colleagues involved in initiatives such as DEAHL Baltic and IDEAHL, while exploring new perspectives on digital empowerment and equitable healthcare access.

As digitalisation continues to accelerate, digital health literacy is becoming an increasingly important determinant of health and equitable access to healthcare services. The momentum and ideas emerging from this first European Digital Health Literacy Conference will undoubtedly contribute to future developments and collaborations across Europe.