7.X.2. PechaKucha: Investing in cross-linked research infrastructures to transform preventive public health landscapes

Abstract Investments in strong research networks are essential to ensure that public health research provides adequate and robust evidence for informed policy-making. There is a need for close collaboration and mutual knowledge translation between researchers from various disciplines, as well as between research, practice and policy to effectively shape the health promotion and prevention landscape. In the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg (BW), the Competence Network Preventive Medicine BW (KNPM), established in 2021 and funded by the BW Ministry of Science, Research and Arts, unites the five medical faculties in BW. Within the KNPM and its seven working groups (WG), we have invested heavily in building relationships with ministries, the public health service, health insurance companies, and other local actors. We have learned that such cross-linked networks are crucial for evaluating interventions and generating actionable evidence for implementing effective preventive measures. The collection and use of data from a variety of areas and sources is important here. In our work, we emphasise that we can only achieve sustainable public health by applying innovative scientific methods, but also through evidence that is understandable, applicable, and relevant to a range of actors in practice and policy. Objectives In line with the EPH conference theme Investing for sustainable health and well-being, this session has the aim to explore the role of cross-linked research networks in generating evidence, translating it into practice and thus transforming health promotion and prevention. It targets an interdisciplinary audience from academia, policy and practice. The following topics will be explored: • Transforming landscapes: Potentials of research networks to shape health promotion and prevention. • Navigating Complexity: Strategies to address the challenges of cross-linked research networks. • Co-Producing Knowledge: Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and co-production of evidence to enhance research impact across different contexts. • Evidence for action: Mechanisms for effective evidence translation and targeted dissemination to a range of audiences. Format This session will provide an overview of the KNPM research network. Four of its WGs will contribute brief thematic presentations in Pecha Kucha-style, offering insights into their current scientific work. The presentations will be followed by an interactive discussion inviting the audience to share their perspectives, experiences and reflections on the topics. Key messages • Investment in research networks contributes to evidence-based health promotion and prevention landscapes by strengthening infrastructures, pooling resources and diverse expertise. • Challenges of translating evidence between public health research, policy and practice can be addressed by taking into account the different needs and perspectives within a cross-linked network.