Generales

By UdeA News Editorial Team 

Medellín will host the 2027 World Epidemiology Congress, bringing together over 1,000 participants from nearly 100 countries. The International Epidemiology Association (IEA) confirmed the news after the UdeA, in collaboration with several national organizations, submitted a successful bid in late 2024. This global event will create a unique platform for researchers and decision-makers to exchange knowledge, forge partnerships, and advance public health initiatives. 

A delegation from the International Epidemiology Association visited the city in April to strengthen ties and explore opportunities for collaboration. Photo: National Faculty of Public Health, UdeA. 

The International Epidemiological Association organizes the World Congress of Epidemiology every three years in a different host country. In 2027, Colombia will welcome this prestigious event for the first time. The congress brings together public health professionals, researchers, and leaders from multiple sectors to share knowledge and strengthen global collaboration in epidemiology. The 2027 edition, scheduled for the second half of the year, is expected to draw more than 1,000 participants from approximately 100 countries. 

The International Association of Epidemiologists has selected Latin America to host the 2027 meeting and is calling on countries across the region to submit their proposals. In response, the National School of Public Health at the University of Antioquia (FNSP), the Colombian Association of Epidemiology (Asocepic), the Greater Medellín Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Center for Research Excellence (Cidepro) joined forces to put forward Medellín as the host city for this edition of the congress. 

In April, representatives from the Association visited Medellín to evaluate the city’s scientific, academic, logistical, convening, and infrastructure strengths needed to host the event. On May 26, 2025, the bidding institutions received official confirmation that Medellín would host the next World Epidemiology Congress. 

“The Congress provides a rare chance to deepen our global connections while highlighting our university, city, and country as pioneers in innovation, public health, and applied research,” said Edwin González, Dean of the FNSP. He also noted that many epidemiologists from the university belong to the Association and actively contribute to its scientific journal with their research. 

Professor Beatriz Caicedo Velásquez, a researcher with the Epidemiology Group at FNSP and the leader of the application process, highlighted that the Congress will create valuable opportunities to connect with experts from diverse epidemiology fields and build collaborative networks. These partnerships could lead to new research projects and unlock funding opportunities. “The event will also help us stay current by attending presentations and workshops that showcase the latest trends and breakthroughs in epidemiology,” she added. 

The UdeA, recognized for its strong academic track record and leadership in epidemiology, will lead the Congress. Medellín will host the event thanks to a collaborative effort involving the Colombian Epidemiology Association, Medellín Tourism Secretariat, Ruta N, Greater Medellín Convention & Visitors Bureau, Antioquia Health Department, Medellín Health Secretariat, National Institute of Health, and several universities that supported UdeA during the technical visit, including CES, National University of Colombia, Pontificia Bolivariana University, Cooperativa de Colombia, EIA, and Remington University Corporation. 

Over the next few weeks, these partner institutions will create committees to develop the work agenda and select key topics for the 2027 World Epidemiology Congress.