Translating Evidence into Action: UBDPolicy Workshop in Sofia

The workshop presented project results and focused on how this evidence can be translated into real-world impact.

This week, the UBDPolicy project team travelled to Sofia to present the latest results from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal).

Two years after the first workshop in 2024—where local stakeholders helped identify and prioritise key scenarios and policies—the team returned to share new findings on the potential health benefits of two major urban interventions:

• The Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP)
• The Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

Beyond presenting results, the workshop focused on a critical question: how can this evidence be translated into real-world impact?

Organised by the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), Air for Health, and ISGlobal within the framework of UBDPolicy, the workshop brought together local stakeholders to explore how to integrate these findings into current and future policies, and how to communicate them effectively to the broader population.

The discussions were highly constructive, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in bridging the gap between science and policy. The workshop marked an important step toward ensuring that research findings inform decision-making processes and contribute to healthier and more sustainable urban environments.

The event also received media coverage, reflecting growing public interest in the health benefits of sustainable urban mobility.

The UBDPolicy team extends its thanks to all partners and participants for their contributions to the workshop and looks forward to the next steps in supporting implementation and impact.