Course detail

Welcome to PhD course in Health Care Innovation 

Description: 

This PhD course offers an in-depth exploration of health care innovation, with an emphasis on research-driven methods for creating impact in complex and rapidly changing environments. Health care systems face increasing demand for innovation—across clinical, organizational, and technological domains—and this course equips participants with advanced tools and perspectives for leading and supporting such processes.

Through a blend of lectures, interactive workshops, and case-based learning, participants will examine the unique requirements and opportunities of innovation in the health sector. The course draws on concrete experiences and learnings from best practice projects such as PhaseV (value-based health technology innovation), FEMaLe (digital solutions for female health), READI (remote assessment and digital innovation), Jutlandia (a mission-driven model for health resilience—moving from validated need to competition, proven value, and large-scale deployment), and ReMoTe (collaborative models for remote treatment). Each case demonstrates different facets of value creation, public–private collaboration, and the use of research to drive change.

A central part of the course is developing the ability to analyze and design cross-disciplinary approaches. Innovation rarely happens in silos; therefore, participants will learn practical strategies for facilitating collaboration across clinical, technological, and managerial boundaries. Lectures and workshops led by experts from academia, industry, and the public sector will provide insights into current trends—including digital transformation, value-based health care, and impact measurement frameworks.

Special attention will be given to:

• Public–private partnership models and ecosystem-based innovation 
• Value-based frameworks for identifying and measuring impact 
• Navigating the regulatory and ethical landscape in health innovation 
• Engaging diverse stakeholders, from patients to industry partners Transforming research into scalable solutions for real-world implementation

Participants will have the opportunity to work intensively with project material, supported by group discussions and expert feedback. In addition to validating the value of their research, participants will be challenged to develop their networking skills through exercises inspired by real-world scenarios. The course culminates in the development and presentation of actionable, research-based proposals for innovative health care interventions.

This course is highly relevant for PhD students aiming to pursue careers in health innovation, whether in academia, industry, or public organizations. It provides both a theoretical foundation and practical skills for bridging research and implementation efforts in the health sector. 

Learning objectives:

• By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Understand and apply frameworks for value-based impact in health care innovation
• Critically assess public–private collaboration models and their role in research and innovation
• Draw on cross-disciplinary approaches to solve complex health care challenges
• Analyze case studies and distill practical learnings from PhaseV, Jutlandia, FEMale, READI, and ReMoTe projects
• Develop and present proposals for new innovative projects in health care settings

Prerequisites:

• Enrollment in a relevant PhD programme (health sciences, engineering, social sciences, or similar)
• Interest in health care innovation, policy, and cross-sectoral collaboration

Form of evaluation:

• Active participation in discussions and group work
• Assessment of their collaborative capability - participate in- and contribute to- a diverse project team (T-shaped)
• Case study analysis and presentation
• Final written report or project proposal demonstrating integration of course concepts

Organizer: Professor, Trine Rolighed Thomsen, trt@bio.aau.dk 

Lecturers: 

• MD, PhD, Martin Vesterby, Danish Technological Institute
• Principal Project Manager, Frederik Mølgaard Thayssen, Alexandra Institute
• PhD Faculty Fellow, Chief Consultant, Ulrik Kirk Bak, Research Unit for General Practice
• Professor, John Rasmussen, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University
• Associate professor Ludvig J.T. Rasmussen, Aalborg University 

ECTS: 1 ETCS 

Dates: 25-26 November, 2026 

Number of seats: 30

City: Aalborg 

Venue: TBA

Open for enrolment: 25 June, 2026 

Deadline for enrolment: 25 October, 2026

Detailed program

Important information concerning PhD courses: 

There is a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before the start of the course.

We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment; all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.

To attend courses at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology you must be enrolled as a PhD student.

You may find more information in our FAQ:  https://phd.moodle.aau.dk/local/page/faq

For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at phdcourses@adm.aau.dk. When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.