Leading the Change
Congress Overview
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and the Federation of Occupational Health Nurses within the European Union (FOHNEU) jointly organised the 8th FOHNEU International Congress at Páirc Uí Chaoimh Stadium in Cork, from 2 to 3 October 2025. Ireland's hosting of the Congress carried particular resonance for the federation: it was the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation's long-standing friendship with FOHNEU — and in particular its twin relationship with Hungary, formed in 2008 — that first opened the door for Ireland's deeper involvement in the federation's work.
The Congress returned after a long gap since the 7th edition in Budapest in 2019, with the intervening years and planned gatherings disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic — a delay that tested the federation's resilience but never its dedication.
Congress at a Glance
Delegates included occupational health nurses, physicians, health and safety professionals, academics, and providers of occupational health services and products, drawn from the private and public sectors across Europe and beyond.
Opening Ceremony and Patronage
Delegates were welcomed to the Congress with a special greeting to distinguished guests including the Lord Mayor of Cork and the Irish Commissioner to the European Commission. We are proud to confirm that the 8th FOHNEU International Congress was held under the patronage of the European Parliament, a recognition that underscores the growing importance of occupational health and workforce well-being on the European agenda.
Main Theme and Topics
The central theme of the Congress was LEADING THE CHANGE — a call for occupational health professionals to guide the field through a period of rapid legislative, technological and social change. Sessions were organised around nine key themes:
● Digital innovations in occupational health
● Education
● Occupational health for healthcare workers
● Protection of vulnerable workers
● Old and new occupational diseases (CMR)
● Mental health and emotional wellbeing
● Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility
● Managing health and wellbeing in SMEs
● Leadership
Keynote and Invited Speakers
The speaker line-up brought together clinicians, researchers and federation leaders from across Europe, including:
● Dr Abigail O'Reilly — Occupational Medicine Advocacy Lead and Consultant Occupational Health Physician, RCPI
● Dr Martin Hogan — Managing Director, CHI Cork; Past Dean, Faculty of Occupational Medicine; Vice President, ICOH; Board Member, International Commission for Occupational Health
● Dr Nancy Doyle — Chief Scientific Officer, Genius Within
The programme also featured national overviews and research presentations from across the federation, including Dr Henriett Hirdi (Hungary), President of FOHNEU; Dr Victoria Ferrua (Italy), President of the Italian Association of Occupational Health Nursing; Valérie van Guick (Belgium), Co-President of BeFOHN; Judith Fakkel-van den Berge (Netherlands), Past Vice President and Interim President of FOHNEU; Professor Anne Harriss (UK), speaking on the future of occupational health nursing; and Nadine Rauch (France), Past President of the Groupement des Infirmiers de Santé au Travail, on advanced nursing practice reforms in France.
A dedicated Innovation and Research strand explored the promise and limits of AI in occupational health, the barriers to building mentally healthy workplaces, the future of occupational health education, and strategies for supporting neurodivergent employees — reflecting a profession evolving as quickly as the workplaces it serves.
FOHNEU Honorary Membership Award Ceremony
A highlight of the Congress was the FOHNEU Honorary Membership Award Ceremony. Introduced in 2001 at the Board Meeting in Copenhagen, the Honorary Membership recognises a small group of individuals whose long-term contributions have significantly shaped the development of the federation and the field of occupational health nursing across Europe. This year's Honorary Membership was awarded to Dr. Julie Staun OBE, PhD, RN, OHN.
Thank you to all speakers, delegates, and partners who made this event a success. Together, we are truly leading the change in occupational health.
