Since the first cases of COVID-19 were reported at the end of 2019, the disease has spread across all continents, regions and social classes. It has enormous, health, societal and economical implications that will last for generations and change our history forever. Important questions remain regarding the potential challenges that this pandemic poses to public health and society for the future, in particular: (i) how has the pandemic evolved and been dealt with differently in Switzerland and throughout the world; (ii) what psychosocial, economic and ethical considerations have been raised by the pandemic and its containment atempts and (iii) what leassons have been learned and what needs to be done in order to deal with the consequences of this pandemic and improve preparedness for the coming 50 years.

On the 25th and 26th of August, 2021 in Bern, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) of the University of Bern, the Swiss Public Health Conference 2021 will address these questions and other key public health issues and discuss the ongoing challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to Switzerland and the world. Join us in this important learning process that will help us achieve a better future! At the same time, we want to celebrate with you the ISPM anniversary and the historical achievement of 50 years of prevention in Bern.