Department of Public Health, UBB

Department of Public Health – Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
(www.publichealth.ro)

The Department of Public Health at Babeș-Bolyai University (BBU) is an academic unit within the Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences. The department is dedicated to advancing education, research, and practice in population health, with a mission to improve health outcomes, reduce health disparities, and strengthen health systems at both national and international levels.

As one of the leading academic centres for public health in Central and Eastern Europe, the department established the first undergraduate programme in public health taught in English in the region. It offers a comprehensive range of study programmes, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees, all designed to integrate scientific knowledge, methodological training, and practical experience. The curriculum spans key areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and management, social and behavioural health, and environmental and occupational health.

Educational programmes are complemented by applied learning opportunities, including internships, fieldwork, and international placements through initiatives such as the Global Health Program and collaborative summer schools. These initiatives promote experiential learning and professional development within diverse health systems and policy environments.

The department maintains an active research portfolio focused on public health policy, health inequalities, environmental and occupational health, injury and violence prevention, and global health. Its projects are frequently conducted in partnership with international institutions and supported by external funding sources. Faculty members contribute to the advancement of evidence-based public health and are engaged in both national and international research networks, including the European Public Health Association (EUPHA) and the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER).

Located in Cluj-Napoca, a major academic and innovation hub in Romania, the Department of Public Health offers a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment that bridges research, education, and community engagement. Its strategic vision is to prepare the next generation of public health professionals capable of addressing complex health challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, scientific excellence, and ethical practice.