Welcome address from the local organizing committee
Dear colleagues,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the 21st biennial conference of the European Society of Health and Medical Sociology (ESHMS) in Hamburg. In this conference, we will explore the critical theme of "Mental Health in Times of Uncertainty".
The current global scenario is characterized by systemic and deep-rooted uncertainties. Climate change and natural hazards, armed conflicts, displacement, and pandemics contribute to the spread of uncertainty. According to the World Health Organization, fear, worry and stress are normal responses at times when we are faced with uncertainty or the unknown. Thus, the link between uncertainty and mental health is a highly topical and critical public health issue. Health and medical sociology can make important contributions to understanding the role of social and cultural factors for mental health in times of uncertainty. With the conference, we would like to promote dialogue, exchange of ideas and current findings, collaboration, and shared learning on this topic.
Hamburg has a long tradition in health and medical sociology. The Institute of Medical Sociology at the University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf was founded more than 50 years ago. We are honoured to welcome our international colleagues in Hamburg and wish you a stimulating, productive, and enjoyable congress, as well as a pleasant stay.
Looking forward to meeting you all in Hamburg!
Olaf v.d. Knesebeck
(for the local organizing committee)
Welcome address from the ESHMS
Dear colleagues,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 21st conference of the European Society for Health and Medical Sociology (ESHMS) in Hamburg, dedicated to the “Mental Health in Times of Uncertainty”, and organised by our wonderful colleagues from the Institute of Medical Sociology in Hamburg.
Our scientific community has grown significantly through regular activities designed to foster professional growth and collaboration. We have successfully established recurring sessions such as “Meet the Editors,” “Write a Peer-Review,” and our creative workshops during our conferences. We have strengthened our commitment to early-career researchers by supporting workshops and summer schools. Furthermore, we have launched the Excellence Prize in Health and Medical Sociology to reward the best paper in the discipline, open to all authors regardless of seniority. Our digital presence has also expanded, with new contributions enriching the ESHMS blog “Voices in health sociology”, edited by Liubov Borisova.
ESHMS is also now honouring the discipline and its own history by appointing two honorary members at each conference. This title is bestowed upon scholars whose work has significantly marked the discipline or who have dedicated themselves to the well-being of the Society. We are particularly proud to introduce this distinction, as it provides a long-overdue opportunity to formally recognize and celebrate the contributions of those who have shaped our field.
As we gather here, please note that 2026 is an election year for our Society for the 2026–2030 term. The Advisory Board will be up for re-election for those who wish to continue, and we have two seats available. I want to thank Laura Kestilä and Veronica Moretti for their participation in the Board, with special thanks to Veronica for the numerous activities she organized during her term, particularly regarding Artivism. I am confident that the future Board will strengthen the Society’s sustainability, continue its current activities, and develop new initiatives.
On a personal note, this conference marks the conclusion of my tenure as President after two terms (2019-2026), though I will remain on the Advisory Board. It has been a privilege to serve you, and I am confident that the Society is in a strong position for its next chapter.
I wish you a stimulating exchange of ideas, fruitful networking, and a pleasant stay in Hamburg.
Warm regards,
Stéphane Cullati
President, ESHMS
Contact E-Mail: info-eshms2026@uke.de