Envisioning the future of public health: from online co-creation events to open science

Abstract

Today, most scientific conferences feature a series of pre-selected experts, who present their achievements (past). Here, I wanted participants to build on their respective, plural experiences, and sketch a common project (future). By forming groups, which I did not attend, I provided a space for participants to actively listen to each other, and value cooperation among peers. Had I join these groups, participants would probably have competed against each other to get recognition from me as the 'authority' of this activity. Envisioning public health requires a shift of perspective: believing that health can be thought by a few, without a personal commitment of each individual, without decisions consensually agreed by all, is for me a dangerous myth. This presentation may provide insights towards building a health democracy.