Across Europe and beyond, fiscal pressures are compelling difficult choices in health care. This year’s conference theme explores how equality and fair access can be safeguarded despite prolonged budget constraints. What principles, evidence and policy approaches can guide the allocation of scarce resources without exacerbating inequalities in, for example, waiting times, coverage or out-of-pocket spending?

We will host a thematic stream on equity under such adverse conditions and are pleased to announce our invited keynote speaker:

• Sarah Thomson, senior health financing specialist at the WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Financing

In addition, a policy workshop will be hosted by:

• Stefan Eichwalder, director of the health systems division at the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection

As in previous years, submissions for presentation are welcome in all fields of health economics and health policy, including long-term care, and are not restricted to the conference topic.

Deadline abstract submission (max. 500 words): December 19^th, 2025 via the ATHEA Conference Abstract Submission Portal

Notification abstract acceptance: January 30^th, 2026

Conference venue: Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), Josefstädter Straße 39, 1080 Vienna, Austria

Conference languages: English, German

Conference fee: 115 Euro