The Assistant Professorship of Health Literacy was newly established in November 2021 as a W2 Tenure Track Professorship at the Department of Sport and Health Sciences at Technical University Munich. It works internationally and is based on interdisciplinary research. As its Head, Prof. Dr. Orkan Okan is currently setting up the assistant professorship and its activti
In 2023, the Chair of Health Literacy was awarded WHO CC status. Since then, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Health Literacy has been based there under the direction of Prof. Orkan Okan. The aim is to support WHO member states in developing and implementing national strategies and policy measures to strengthen health literacy.
Health literacy research at the Chair of Health Literacy includes both basic and applied research and relates to education science, public health, medicine, psychology and social sciences. The term “health literacy” is understood at the Chair as a dynamic construct that develops in the interplay of individual, social and structural conditions. This perspective is reflected, among other things, in projects for the further development of child- and youth-centred models of health literacy, in which children and young people are actively involved in the research process in order to take their experiences and perspectives into account (KoKo – Health Literacy of Children and Young People).
There is a particular focus on children, young people and their social environments. In addition to individual abilities, the contexts in which health literacy develops or is restricted are also considered, for example schools, childcare facilities and family circumstances. Regional and participatory approaches play an important role here, for example in research on health-literate childcare facilities (GeKoRegio-Bayern II). As a structural approach to contextual prevention, the GeKoRegio-Bayern project is thus laying the foundation for measures to strengthen health literacy in childcare facilities for the first time.
In the school and education sector, research focuses both on promoting the health literacy of children and young people and on the role of teachers. Topics include organisational development, health-promoting conditions and the sustainable anchoring of health literacy in educational institutions. A particular focus is on digital health literacy in the school context (Durchblickt! – Digital Health Literacy in Schools).
In addition, European perspectives are incorporated, for example through the development of competence frameworks and training opportunities for teachers (BLISS – Boosting Health Literacy for School Students). Depending on the issue at hand, adult population groups are also examined, for example in a university context or in digital environments. International surveys are conducted within the framework of the global research network GLOBHL – Global Health Literacy Research Network (formerly Covid-19 Health Literacy Network), among others. In the higher education sector, health-promoting interventions for students are also scientifically monitored (BARMER Campus Coach).
In terms of content, the professorship deals with various types of health literacy. Topic-specific approaches such as planetary health literacy are also addressed, for example in environmental and educational projects for children and young people (Naturhelden). Mental health literacy is being researched in the context of the mental health of young people and their families in Europe (EARLY), among other things.
The main objectives will be (a) promoting interdisciplinary health literacy research, (b) advancing the science of health literacy, (c) establishing health literacy as an important topic of school health promotion and health education, and (d) generating evidence in order to inform science-to-practice and science-to-policy transfer. These topics will be addressed in particular by young researchers, which is why (e) the promotion of young scientists is another important goal of the research program of the Assistant Professorship of Health Literacy. The research programme will be comprised of the following pillars and research streams:
- Theory, concept, and method development,
- Development, implementation, and evaluation of interventions,
- Longitudinal research and life-course approaches.
Methodologically, research comprises qualitative methods, quantitative methods, and mixed methods, including interviews, surveys, network analysis, evaluation research, and policy analysis. Health literacy will be embedded into theories of health promotion, prevention and health communication. A significant focus will be on digitalisation and digital transformation and how they influence health. Cross-cutting topics, which can include but are not limited to equity, diversity, and inclusion, will frame research activities. Cross-cutting issues will be drawn upon where deemed necessary and applicable to a specific research project. Researching health literacy will include several dimensions of the concept, including digital health literacy, mental health literacy as well as nutrition literacy, physical activity literacy, social media literacy, and critical health literacy.
The research programme will be complemented by capacity building, research collaboration, networking, and fostering international alignment that will underpin the scientific work.