gms | German Medical Science

Urban health is a key aspect of the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities living in urban areas. Home to around 5 million people, the Ruhr region in Germany is a densely populated urban area. The region is known for its industrial past in coal mining and steel production. Although the coal mining industries are a thing of the past, they have left several environmental and health challenges for the region’s residents as well as a diverse society rooted in migration from different countries. Understanding these challenges and resources is essential to addressing the region’s health needs.

The Ruhr area is facing some major health challenges: Air pollution and noise from industry and high levels of traffic, lack of access to green and blue spaces, heat during heat waves and long periods of extreme heat, and also flooding, which is an emerging threat to urban areas due to the increasing sealing of surfaces (with asphalt or concrete), social inequality and segregated neighbourhoods with higher rates of poverty and unemployment.

Urban health is an issue of social determinants the social and economic conditions in which people live, work and play have a significant impact on their health outcomes [1]. It encompasses a wide range of factors including physical, social, environmental, and economic determinants of health. They include income, education, housing, access to healthy food, transport and social support networks. Urban environments can be particularly challenging for health because they often have higher levels of environmental pollutants, social inequality, inadequate infrastructure for physical activity and access to social participation. Urban residents may also experience social isolation and reduced access to green spaces, which can negatively affect mental health [2].

Transdisciplinary research is an approach to scientific inquiry that seeks to integrate the knowledge and methods of a range of disciplines to address complex problems. In contrast to interdisciplinary research, which involves collaboration between researchers from different disciplines, transdisciplinary research involves stakeholders from a variety of fields outside of academia, including members of different communities, policymakers and practitioners. By engaging with stakeholders from outside academia, transdisciplinary research seeks to bring different perspectives, values and types of knowledge into the research process [3].

The Urban Health Transdisciplinary Forum is part of a research project on the feasibility of urban health in the Ruhr area in Germany. The project aims to build a network of stakeholders from academia, society and the public and private sectors.

Correspondingly, the transdisciplinary forum is an approach to bring together stakeholders from different fields, including academics, policymakers, urban planners and community members, to discuss and develop solutions to urban health challenges. The forum aims to address the complex and interrelated health challenges faced by urban communities by promoting collaboration and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

The Urban Health Transdisciplinary Forum took place on February 15, 2023, in the facilities of the University of Applied Sciences, Hochschule für Gesundheit in Bochum. Together with international and national researchers, practitioners, policymakers and society the following topics were addressed and discussed:

• Urban green
• Urban mental health
• Environmental justice
• Monitoring
• Climate adaptation
• Homelessness

The various provided contributions and practical examples allowed the speakers and participants to experience a large number of practical impressions and stimulated a vivid discussion among the guests.

The abstracts of the individual contributions can be found in this conference volume. Each session begins with an introduction by the moderators of the relevant session, followed by the abstracts of the speakers.

It concludes with an interview about participating in the Forum and a plea for open, transparent and inclusive science. A science that is accessible to all.