The Healthy Living department of the city of Amsterdam, based at the Public Health Service, has a long-standing collaboration with Caroline Nevejan. This partnership is built on innovative and creative ideas that aim to improve the city's health and well-being. Despite the logistical challenges posed by COVID-19, their work continues to thrive. One notable project born from this collaboration is a photographic exhibition on the global movement of food, displayed at a local skate park. This initiative started with Kadir, an artist stuck in Amsterdam, whose idea was supported by Caroline and her colleagues, turning it into a significant event.
Caroline’s approach often involves bringing together diverse minds over coffee to brainstorm groundbreaking projects. One such initiative during the pandemic involved Pinar, a PhD student who also contributed to Amsterdam's Corona prevention team. Pinar’s unique perspective and ability to ask insightful questions significantly enriched the team's efforts, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.
The team's strength lies in making complex ideas and data accessible and practical for public servants. They developed algorithms that brought data to life, helping to build trust and improve public health strategies. For example, the team used the UPA framework to address trust issues during COVID-19. Despite initial skepticism about the practical applications of their research, the outcomes have been impressive, with innovative algorithms providing new insights into public health.
Today's session aims to inspire participants from various fields, encouraging them to explore how these insights can shape future policies and improve life in Amsterdam. The goal is to use data effectively, integrating infectious disease prevention with broader public health initiatives. This includes identifying which datasets are most useful and how they can be applied to enhance the city's health services.
A practical example of this approach is the adjustment of traffic light timings to better accommodate the elderly and those with mobility challenges. By making such small but impactful changes, the team demonstrates how thoughtful data application can lead to significant improvements in daily life.
The session also aims to highlight the importance of understanding rhythms in urban life. By focusing on rhythms, the team believes they can foster a better, more livable city. They encourage participants to embrace creativity and open-mindedness in exploring how these concepts can be applied in their work.
Looking ahead, the team envisions using their findings to inform policy and improve public health initiatives. They emphasize the importance of continued collaboration and innovation, ensuring that Amsterdam remains a healthy and vibrant city for all its residents. The session will conclude with reflections on how this type of work can address current challenges and shape future efforts.