Welcome to the third edition of the HORUS Newsletter!
The first half of 2025 has been a dynamic period for the HORUS – Urban Health project, filled with new milestones, impactful events, and collaborative momentum across Europe. In this issue, we bring you the latest updates from our pilot cities, exciting digital developments, scientific contributions, and growing engagement with public health communities.
From Rijeka to Rotterdam and Valencia, HORUS continues to deepen its understanding of how urban environments influence non-communicable diseases (NCDs), paving the way for healthier, more inclusive urban spaces.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Goodbye X, Hello BlueSky!
With the new year, we’ve made a fresh start: HORUS is now on BlueSky!
We’ve left X (formerly Twitter) behind and joined this new platform to continue sharing updates about urban health, NCDs, and sustainable cities.
Follow us here!
- Key Deliverables Now Available
We’re proud to announce the publication of three major project deliverables:
✅ D2.1 – Knowledge Hub
✅ D2.3 – Report on Estimates
✅ D6.1 – HORUS Website
These are essential tools in our mission to improve urban health.
https://horus-urbanhealth.eu/deliverables/
- Taking Control: How Small Lifestyle Changes Can Help Prevent NCDs
We launched a new awareness piece focused on everyday behaviors that influence NCDs. From smoking and diet to physical activity, this article empowers readers with actionable tips for healthier living in our neighborhoods and cities.
Read the article!
- Interview with Dr. Luisa M. Hueso
Check out our transcription of the interview with Dr. Luisa Hueso as she explores the links between urban environments and diseases like cardiovascular conditions and diabetes.
EVENTS
- Public Health Conference – Rijeka, April 10–12, 2025
The MEDRI team represented HORUS at the Public Health Congress “Kajetan Blečić: Healthy People in a Healthy Environment.”
Their presentations covered:
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Behavioural interventions for urban health
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Health literacy and physical activity
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Dietary habits and tailored interventions in Rijeka
Know more about the event here.
- Recruitment and Insights from Rijeka
At the same conference, MEDRI researchers shared updates from the Rijeka pilot, including health status data and strategies for improving nutrition and physical activity among residents.
- Webinar: Digital Tools for Healthier Cities
Our spring webinar showcased the Healthy Cities Generator by Bax & Healthy Cities and the Wakamola App by UPV. With over 30 professionals attending, it was an inspiring look at citizen engagement and data-driven planning.
See the report and watch the full video.
- 3rd Consortium Meeting – Rijeka, June 10–11, 2025
The HORUS Consortium met for its third official gathering in Rijeka, Croatia, hosted by the University of Rijeka – Faculty of Medicine. Over two days, partners from across Europe reviewed pilot progress, shared key findings, and coordinated next steps for the project’s implementation.
The meeting fostered collaboration between teams, deepened alignment across cities, and provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen our shared vision for healthier, more inclusive urban environments.
- 12th International Symposium “Health for All?” – June 12, Rijeka
Held right after the consortium meeting, this international symposium gathered researchers, public health professionals, and city representatives to explore health challenges in urban contexts.
The HORUS project took part in discussions around NCDs, environmental determinants, and citizen engagement, sharing pilot experiences and learning from global experts.
WORLD DAYS
- World Obesity Day – March 4
- World Physical Activity Day – April 6
- World Health Day – April 7
- European Week Against Cancer – May 25–31
- World Nutrition Day – May 28
- World No Tobacco Day – May 31