European health systems face an increasingly complex set of challenges including demographic change, the growing burden of chronic diseases, workforce shortages, fiscal pressures, and the rapid digitalisation of care delivery. These challenges, together with increasing governance complexity at local, national, and European levels, are reshaping the demands placed on healthcare managers and health policy leaders.
In this context, preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders is a strategic priority for academic institutions, health systems, and other stakeholders across the healthcare sector.
The EHMA Case Study Competition is a pan-European platform through which students engage with real-world management challenges, apply their knowledge in practice, and develop the analytical, strategic, and leadership skills required to navigate increasingly complex healthcare environments.
By challenging students to analyse real-world health management problems and develop evidence-informed solutions, the competition bridges academic learning and professional practice. It aims to:
- Develop the analytical, strategic, and leadership skills of future health managers.
- Create meaningful opportunities for students to engage with contemporary health management challenges and connect with organisations shaping the future of European health systems.
- Strengthen collaboration between universities and leading health organisations across Europe.
Competition architecture and format
Overview
The EHMA Case Study Competition is a multi-stage competition combining online and in-person elements. The format has been designed to maximise accessibility for institutions across Europe while creating opportunities for direct interaction and networking among students, academics, health management professionals, and partner organisations.
The competition is team-based, with each participating institution entering one or more teams of four students. Teams progress through a series of competitive rounds, culminating in an in-person final and award ceremony.
Team composition
Each team consists of four postgraduate students enrolled in a health management, public health, health policy, or related programme at the time of registration. To encourage diverse perspectives, institutions are encouraged to form teams that bring together students from different backgrounds and experiences. Each team is supported by a faculty advisor who provides guidance and mentorship throughout the competition.
The case study
Each edition of the competition is built around a single case study centred on a real-world health management challenge. The case study is developed in collaboration with the edition’s lead partner and presents a strategic, organisational, or operational issue relevant to contemporary European health systems.
Participating teams receive the case study simultaneously and are invited to develop evidence-informed recommendations that address the challenge presented. The competition is designed to assess analytical thinking, problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and the practical application of health management knowledge.
Timeline
The exact timeline for the Case Study Competition will be announced here soon.
Competition rounds
The competition consists of three progressive stages, each designed to test participants’ ability to analyse complex health management challenges, develop evidence-informed solutions, and communicate recommendations effectively.
Round 1
Online Qualifier
Round 1
Online Qualifier
All participating teams present their proposed solution to a judging panel in an online format. Teams are assessed on their understanding of the challenge, the quality of their analysis, and the relevance of their proposed recommendations. A selected number of the highest-scoring teams advance to the Semi-Final.
Round 2
Online Semi-Final
Round 2
Online Semi-Final
Qualifying teams present and defend their recommendations before a multidisciplinary panel of judges. This stage places greater emphasis on the team’s ability to justify decisions, respond to questions, and demonstrate the feasibility of their proposed solution. Approximately 5 finalist teams are selected to advance to the Final.
Round 3
In-Person Final
Round 3
In-Person Final
Finalist teams present their recommendations in person before a senior judging panel composed of representatives from academia, health systems, and partner organisations. The competition concludes with the announcement of the winning teams and an award ceremony.
Prizes
The EHMA Case Study Competition recognises excellence in analysis, problem-solving, teamwork, and the practical application of health management knowledge. Cash prizes and certificates of excellence are awarded to the top three teams:
| 1st place | €2,000 cash prize + complimentary registration for the four team members to the next EHM Conference + Certificate of Excellence |
| 2nd place | €1,200 cash prize + Certificate of Excellence |
| 3rd place | €800 cash prize + Certificate of Excellence |
Participation fee
Participation in the EHMA Case Study Competition is subject to an institutional registration fee per team.
| Category | Fee (excluding VAT) |
| EHMA members | €500 |
| Non-EHMA members | €650 |
The registration fee covers participation in all competition rounds and contributes to the operational costs associated with organising and delivering the competition.