U21 HSG International Student Challenge
This is an annual online simulation challenge organised by the U21 HSG Interprofessional Education Special Interest Group. The inaugural challenge was held in 2021. Students from across the U21 HSG network can apply to join. Successful applicants are grouped into small teams of 6 - 7 individuals. Each group comprises of students representing different institutions and disciplines.
The objective of the Student Challenge is for groups to conduct research and provide recommendations to a health-care related problem, in a simulation exercise format. Student groups need to capture their group output into a short video. Groups have a few weeks to work together. In this way, students not only interact and meet peers from around the world, but also learn to work across timezones and have the opportunity to understand health systems in different contexts.
In 2023, the Student Challenge theme was: How can we address the climate change impacts on health? The 2024 Student Challenge theme was: Health, Data and Climate: Looking for Solutions in Health Care. The 2025 Student Challenge theme was on “Healthy Aging in the Context of Climate Change.”
This Challenge is a simulation exercise in which you will work as an international team of trainee health professionals to consult for the World Health Organization (WHO) on the topic of “How can adaptive intelligence ensure inclusive and sustainable healthcare practice?”. This exercise will engage interdisciplinary student teams in exploring AI applications that promote equity and system resilience. Within this theme, students are encouraged to think of artificial intelligence as the core technology and adaptive intelligence as its responsible, learning-oriented application to real health systems and communities.
This Challenge is linked to the Sustainable Development Goals numbers 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 13 (Climate Action).
The 2026 Student Challenge is open now for applications until 9 April 2026. Students who are interested should apply via their U21 HSG University Representative.
