About the Congress
The 16th World Congress marks 30 years of the International Academy for Design and Health.
Thirty years of salutogenic design, celebrated in Sydney
The International Academy for Design and Health (IADH), in partnership with the New South Wales Government, leading universities, health industry partners and the Australian Health Design Council, proudly announces the 16th Design and Health World Congress & Exhibition.
This milestone event marks the 30th anniversary of the Academy, following its inaugural Congress in Trondheim, Norway, in 1997, an occasion that established a global benchmark for leadership, innovation, research and practice in the field of design and health.
The anniversary also marks the official transition of the IADH from Sweden to the United States, with the Academy becoming part of Texas A&M University. A new chapter that preserves the values, knowledge and international legacy built over three decades.
Healthcare systems are shifting from hospital-centric models toward distributed, preventative and human-centred systems of care. Together we will examine innovative, design-led solutions that respond to the evolving needs of Australia's population and support more sustainable, equitable and future-focused healthcare environments.
A message from the Minister for Health
“On behalf of the New South Wales Government, I am delighted to welcome you to the 16th World Congress & Exhibition on Design and Health in Sydney, Australia, from 17–21 November 2027.
Sydney is an ideal host city for this global gathering, bringing together leaders in healthcare, design, research, and policy to advance the science and practice of Salutogenesis. NSW Health is delivering one of the largest health infrastructure programs in Australia, guided by principles of patient-centred care, sustainability, resilience, and wellbeing.
I wholeheartedly support WCDH2027 and look forward to welcoming delegates from around the world to Sydney to help shape the future of salutogenic design and healthier built environments.”
Hon. Ryan Park MPNSW Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health
Sixteen World Congresses, five continents
Symposiums: Sydney 2010, Toronto 2010, Brussels 2010, Melbourne 2011, Cape Town 2011, Sydney 2012, Helsinki 2012, Singapore 2013, Doha 2013, Beijing 2014, Hanoi 2015, Brisbane 2016, Campo Grande 2017, Amazona 2019.
