Welcome to the fourth edition of the HORUS Newsletter!
The first half of 2026 has been an exciting period for the HORUS – Urban Health project, marked by new communication resources, scientific outreach activities and continued progress across our pilot cities. Throughout these months, partners have shared knowledge at international events, strengthened collaboration through consortium activities and continued engaging communities in healthier urban living.
From Valencia, Rijeka and Rotterdam to international conferences and workshops across Europe, HORUS continues exploring how urban environments can support healthier lifestyles and help prevent non-communicable diseases.
HIGHLIGHTS
First HORUS Factsheet Published
We are pleased to announce the publication of the first HORUS factsheet. The document presents the project’s approach to understanding the relationship between urban environments, behaviour change and health outcomes, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations. It also highlights how participatory research and spatial analysis can support healthier and more equitable cities.
4th HORUS Consortium Meeting in Valencia
Project partners gathered in Valencia for the fourth HORUS consortium meeting to review progress across all work packages, discuss ongoing activities and coordinate the final stages of the project. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen collaboration and ensure alignment as HORUS moves towards its final phase.
Joint Webinar on Urban Health and NCD Prevention
HORUS joined ENABLE, CityMove and Changemaker for a collaborative webinar exploring how cities can better address non-communicable diseases. The session highlighted the role of urban environments in shaping health behaviours and showcased different approaches to behaviour change, community engagement and healthier urban design.
Learn more about it: https://horus-urbanhealth.eu/event/cluster-webinar/
New Scientific Publication on the HORUS Framework
Researchers from the University of Rijeka – Faculty of Medicine have published a review paper presenting the conceptual framework of the HORUS project and exploring the relationship between urban characteristics and non-communicable diseases. The publication examines how urban planning, public health, digital technologies and community participation can be combined to better understand and address health challenges in urban environments.
EVENTS
HORUS at the CONTROVERSIES Symposium
From 6 to 8 February, HORUS was represented at the CONTROVERSIES symposium in Zagreb, a leading event focused on hypertension and cardio-reno-metabolic medicine. Researchers presented work on behaviour change and urban health, while discussions highlighted the importance of social prescribing and community-based approaches to preventing non-communicable diseases.
European Public Health Week 2026
HORUS contributed to European Public Health Week through the participation of Prof. Vanja Vasiljev in a session dedicated to mental health, public health and community action. The discussion explored how urban environments influence well-being and the importance of connecting healthcare, public health and local communities to create healthier cities.
Housing, Health and Urban Resilience at the World Urban Forum
The connection between housing and health took centre stage during the World Urban Forum 2026. Sebastiaan van Herk, co-founder of Healthy Cities, participated in discussions on how housing can contribute to healthier and more resilient communities. The session also highlighted the Healthy Cities Generator, one of the digital tools developed within HORUS.
Healthy Cities Generator Presented at WHO Healthy Cities Conference
HORUS partners Marta Rofin Serra and Ruth Gow McLenachan presented the Healthy Cities Generator at the WHO Regional Office for Europe Healthy Cities Conference in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. The workshop demonstrated how digital tools can support urban planners and policymakers in understanding the health impacts of urban environments and making more informed decisions.
PILOT UPDATES
Community Activities Continue Across the Three HORUS Pilot Cities
The HORUS pilots in Rotterdam, Valencia and Rijeka have continued delivering activities that promote healthier lifestyles and stronger communities. In Rotterdam, weekly walking sessions bring residents together through physical activity and social interaction. In Valencia, participants remain actively involved in nutrition workshops, exercise sessions and community events. Meanwhile, Rijeka continues expanding its programme with activities such as forest therapy, mindfulness sessions and nutrition workshops. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how urban health can be supported through practical, community-based action.
WORLD DAYS
World Obesity Day – March 4
World Bicycle Day – June 3