Registration is currently open for implementation science professionals and researchers to attend “Driving Change 2025,” a regional conference hosted by Qatar University’s Department of Public Health in partnership with the Global Implementation Society (GIS). The conference, scheduled for December 5-6, 2025, in Doha, Qatar, aims to foster collaboration and translate research into practical public health solutions. Attendees will include professionals, faculty, researchers, policymakers, and students focused on improvements to population health.
The event intends to connect those working to improve health outcomes across the region with global experts in the field. It is designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and strategies for overcoming barriers to the adoption of evidence-based practices. Qatar University’s involvement highlights the nation’s growing commitment to research and innovation in the healthcare sector.
Advancing Public Health Through Implementation Science
The core goal of Driving Change 2025 is to accelerate the application of implementation science to address pressing public health challenges. This discipline focuses on methods to promote the systematic uptake of research findings and evidence-based interventions into real-world settings. Previous conferences have focused on varying elements of public health, but this event specifically hones in on the process of getting effective programs actually *used*.
Conference Format and Key Themes
The conference will employ a multi-faceted approach to knowledge sharing, incorporating keynote presentations from leading figures in public health, alongside interactive workshops and dedicated research sessions. These formats are designed to encourage active participation and networking among attendees. The specific themes being addressed will likely center around challenges unique to the region, though internationally relevant topics will also be featured.
Preliminary outlines suggest the program will explore areas such as healthcare delivery optimization, community-based health initiatives, and the integration of new technologies into public health systems. Given the rapid changes in healthcare, the role of digital health and telehealth is considered a significant topic for discussion. The agenda may also address the social determinants of health and strategies for health equity.
The Role of Global Collaboration
The partnership between Qatar University and the Global Implementation Society underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing population health. GIS, a recognized international organization, provides a platform for researchers and practitioners worldwide to connect and share best practices in implementation science.
However, implementing proven strategies isn’t always straightforward. Cultural contexts, resource limitations, and political considerations can all pose significant obstacles to effective program adoption. The conference aims to provide a space for discussing these challenges and identifying locally tailored solutions.
Meanwhile, Qatar has been actively investing in its healthcare infrastructure and research capacity in recent years. This event reflects the country’s ambition to become a regional hub for health innovation and a leader in addressing public health priorities. The focus on implementation science suggests a shift towards not just *developing* new interventions but also ensuring their successful and sustainable implementation.
In contrast to traditional research conferences focused solely on findings, Driving Change 2025 prioritizes the practical application of knowledge. This approach recognizes that impactful public health improvements require a concerted effort to translate research evidence into effective policies and programs. Moreover, the inclusion of early-career practitioners is intended to cultivate the next generation of implementation scientists.
The conference is additionally positioned as a crucial meeting point given the increasing focus on preventative healthcare globally. A move towards proactive rather than reactive healthcare requires careful planning and strategic implementation of proven methods. The success of such endeavors relies heavily on the principles of implementation science.
Looking ahead, the final conference agenda and a list of confirmed keynote speakers are expected to be released in the coming months. Interested individuals should monitor the Qatar University Department of Public Health website for updates and registration details, with the registration deadline likely falling in the late autumn of 2025. The extent to which the conference outcomes will inform national health policies in Qatar and neighboring countries remains to be seen, and will be a key area to watch following the event.
