Health Economic Policy Advice with Real-world Data

We are proud to coordinate the MSCA Doctoral Network HEPARD, a prestigious EU-funded research and training programme conducted in collaboration with the Universities of Tilburg, Uppsala, Oslo, UBB in Cluj, and the RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research in Essen. 

HEPARD addresses one of the most persistent challenges facing modern healthcare systems: health inequalities across Europe. While life expectancy is rising, disparities in health outcomes remain stark – driven by socioeconomic, structural, and behavioral factors. Many policy interventions fail due to a lack of causal understanding. HEPARD seeks to close this gap by conducting interdisciplinary, data-driven, and policy-relevant research. 

Aims and Motivation 

• Train a new generation of researchers in health equity, advanced data analysis, and causal inference
• Build a sustainable infrastructure for European health economics research
• Deliver actionable policy insights based on empirical evidence 

Key Research Themes

• Health Interventions: Understanding the gap between efficacy and real-world effectiveness in complex socioeconomic settings
• Family and Health: How parenting, maternal health, and early-life policies shape long-term health trajectories
• Health Insurance Design: Analyzing the effects of coverage on access, equity, and behavioral responses
• Methodological Innovation: Applying machine learning, quasi-experimental designs, and panel data tools for robust causal analysis 

Timeline 

• Inauguration: November 1, 2025
• 12 doctoral candidates will be enrolled between 2026 and 2029 

HEPARD represents a milestone in interdisciplinary research and doctoral training. By combining academic excellence with policy impact, it lays the foundation for more equitable and effective health systems across Europe