Strategies for Occupational Health research in a changing Europe : Proceedings of a workshop in Brussels 10th-11th January 2000

Abstract

This issue of "Arbete och Hälsa" contains a condensed account of the proceedings of a workshop organized by the National Swedish Institute for Working Life (NIWL) in Brussels, Belgium on 10th and 11th of January 2000. The workshop, entitled ÒStrategies for Occupational Health research in a changing Europe", was arranged as part of the NIWL Working Life 2000 programme in preparation of the Swedish six month presidency of the EU Commission beginning in January 2001. The workshop addressed the overarching issues confronting the Occupational Health institutes of Europe in a work-life in a rapid change process and globalization of economy carrying important implications for research agendas and priorities in adaptation to a new horizon of societal expectations and tasks. To the workshop had been invited researchers and research executives from institutes in Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, UK and representatives of the EU Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Dublin, Ireland) and the EU Agency for Safety and Health at Work (Bilbao, Spain). These proceedings have been edited to comprise, after an introductory address of the editors: Three key-note addresses (Amanda Griffiths, UK, Tage S. Kristensen, Denmark and Christer Hogstedt, Sweden) and one abstract of key-note address (Jorma Rantanen, Finland) Results of questionnaire survey on research priorities of participating institutes Staffan Marklund Presentations reflecting the current situation in participating countries and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work: Denmark : Ib Andersen France : Jean-Claude André Germany : Gunda Maintz Italy : Antonio Grieco, Sergio Iavicoli The Netherlands : Frank Pot Norway : Tor Norseth UK : Malcolm J. Harrington European Agency for Safety and Health at Work : Markku Aaltonen The workshop participants had been requested in advance to reflect on the specific questions to be addressed by the workshop. The meeting had not been prepared with a view to achieve a consensus of opinion on the issues discussed. There was at the end of the workshop nevertheless agreement that the central themes and the general conclusions reflect well the joint views of the participants and the way occupational health researchers look at the world and Europe of today. There were also views expressed from many of the participants as to the relevance of the issues discussed and a distinct perception of agreement on the challenges facing our institutes and us as research professionals. We hope to offer our readers inspiring and informative reading on how representative research professionals perceive the ongoing change processes and their implications for occupational health research. We also wish to convey our delight to find so much in common between ourselves as researchers and, accordingly, to see the potentials at our hands. We have much to contribute to the convergence of scientific efforts and collaboration aiming at the visionary goal of a Healthy work for All Europeans.