March 2026: WHO CC Collaboration with Slovenia, Spain and Ireland on behavioural science, preparedness and resilience
The WHO Collaborating Centre on Behavioural Science for Health Emergency Preparedness and Resilience is collecting data on behavioural insights in international collaboration through new partnerships with public health institutions in Slovenia, Ireland, and Spain. In Slovenia, the WHO CC is collaborating with the National Institute of Public Health of Slovenia on the Sl-PANDA – Behavioural Insights and Health survey. The survey monitors population behaviours, health status and preparedness for infectious disease threats or other health emergencies. Conducted among adults aged 18–74, the survey implements the RIVM-developed instrument to collect data twice per year to better understand how people perceive risks, respond to public health guidance, and prepare for potential crises. Reports from the SI-PANDA 2024 and 2025 data collection are available online.
The collaboration also involves the Department of Health of Ireland and the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) in Spain. Together, the partners exchange expertise on behavioural science methods, implement the survey designed by RIVM, and use behavioural data to inform policy and risk communication for better health, and in preparation for health emergencies, for their respective institutions and jointly. By working across countries, the partners aim to strengthen the use of behavioural science in preparedness and response to future health threats. These collaborations support the broader mission of the WHO Collaborating Centre to integrate behavioural science into public health policy and emergency preparedness across Europe.
February 2026, WHO news: New WHO Collaborating Centre focuses on human behaviour for health emergency preparedness and resilience
In a news item, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the new Dutch WHO Collaborating Centre on Behavioural Science for Health Emergency Preparedness and Resilience. RIVM will lead this exciting area of work in support of WHO’s efforts to understand and incorporate a behaviour-focused approach to health.
A WHO Behavioural and Cultural Insights Unit was established in 2020 to support countries in advancing the use of evidence-based, people-centred and culturally grounded approaches to health behaviours. A newly established Community Resilience and Protection Unit within WHO focuses on building capacity and sharing evidence on people-centred approaches to emergency preparedness and response. The new WHO Collaborating Centre will help the new WHO Unit gather evidence and share experience across the WHO European Region, as well as build capacity at the national level.
Dr (Doctor) Jet Sanders, principal behavioural scientist at RIVM and head of the WHO Collaborating Centre: “This is an exciting step toward acknowledging the behavioural aspect of health and emergency preparedness and resilience, as well as linking the expertise and experience we’ve built up in this Region. RIVM’s Department of Behaviour and Health has the technical skills to develop useful tools. The collaboration with WHO means our work can be shared throughout the Region, so we can share data, challenges and solutions in the future”. Read more on the WHO website.
September 2025: Designation as WHO CC
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated RIVM as a WHO Collaborating Centre focused on Behavioural Science for Health Emergency Preparedness and Resilience. This new designation allows RIVM to leverage its multidisciplinary expertise in social and behavioural sciences. With this addition, RIVM now hosts a total of 11 WHO Collaborating Centres that support various WHO programmes.