European Observatory on Health Systems & Policies
@obshealth.bsky.social
The Observatory is a WHO Europe-hosted partnership supporting evidence-informed health policy-making across Europe.
Website: https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int
Subscribe: tinyurl.com/SubscribeOBS
Website: https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int
Subscribe: tinyurl.com/SubscribeOBS
#Cancer inequalities across Europe are persistent and system-driven, but they are not inevitable.
Our new policy brief examines how governance, financing, service delivery & workforce can reduce inequalities in cancer care.
📗 Read more: https://tinyurl.com/OBSPB73
#EUCancerPlan #OBSPB #OBSPACE
Our new policy brief examines how governance, financing, service delivery & workforce can reduce inequalities in cancer care.
📗 Read more: https://tinyurl.com/OBSPB73
#EUCancerPlan #OBSPB #OBSPACE
February 10, 2026 at 3:55 PM
#Cancer inequalities across Europe are persistent and system-driven, but they are not inevitable.
Our new policy brief examines how governance, financing, service delivery & workforce can reduce inequalities in cancer care.
📗 Read more: https://tinyurl.com/OBSPB73
#EUCancerPlan #OBSPB #OBSPACE
Our new policy brief examines how governance, financing, service delivery & workforce can reduce inequalities in cancer care.
📗 Read more: https://tinyurl.com/OBSPB73
#EUCancerPlan #OBSPB #OBSPACE
❔The first Observatory newsletter of 2026 comes out next week ... have you registered?
New #OBSWebinars, publications on #AI, #HealthFinancing, emergency care & more ... designed to support Europe's decision-makers with practical evidence & analysis
Subscribe for updates📩: https://lnkd.in/eSZhgJcm
New #OBSWebinars, publications on #AI, #HealthFinancing, emergency care & more ... designed to support Europe's decision-makers with practical evidence & analysis
Subscribe for updates📩: https://lnkd.in/eSZhgJcm
February 5, 2026 at 4:28 PM
❔The first Observatory newsletter of 2026 comes out next week ... have you registered?
New #OBSWebinars, publications on #AI, #HealthFinancing, emergency care & more ... designed to support Europe's decision-makers with practical evidence & analysis
Subscribe for updates📩: https://lnkd.in/eSZhgJcm
New #OBSWebinars, publications on #AI, #HealthFinancing, emergency care & more ... designed to support Europe's decision-makers with practical evidence & analysis
Subscribe for updates📩: https://lnkd.in/eSZhgJcm
On #WorldCancerDay, we’re calling for decisive action to close the care gap.
1 in 4 people in the WHO European Region are at risk of developing cancer.
🩺 Our #OBSPACE policy brief shows what countries can do to reduce cancer care inequalities: eurohealthobservatory.who.int/publications...
#EBCP
1 in 4 people in the WHO European Region are at risk of developing cancer.
🩺 Our #OBSPACE policy brief shows what countries can do to reduce cancer care inequalities: eurohealthobservatory.who.int/publications...
#EBCP
February 4, 2026 at 12:37 PM
On #WorldCancerDay, we’re calling for decisive action to close the care gap.
1 in 4 people in the WHO European Region are at risk of developing cancer.
🩺 Our #OBSPACE policy brief shows what countries can do to reduce cancer care inequalities: eurohealthobservatory.who.int/publications...
#EBCP
1 in 4 people in the WHO European Region are at risk of developing cancer.
🩺 Our #OBSPACE policy brief shows what countries can do to reduce cancer care inequalities: eurohealthobservatory.who.int/publications...
#EBCP
🎗As #CervicalCancerAwarenessMonth closes, we reflect on eliminating a preventable disease that claims 32,000+ lives yearly in Europe.
Through #OBSPACE, we're documenting innovative prevention & screening approaches. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/CCAMOBS1
#EuropeanBeatingCancerPlan #CervicalCancer
Through #OBSPACE, we're documenting innovative prevention & screening approaches. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/CCAMOBS1
#EuropeanBeatingCancerPlan #CervicalCancer
January 31, 2026 at 4:08 PM
🎗As #CervicalCancerAwarenessMonth closes, we reflect on eliminating a preventable disease that claims 32,000+ lives yearly in Europe.
Through #OBSPACE, we're documenting innovative prevention & screening approaches. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/CCAMOBS1
#EuropeanBeatingCancerPlan #CervicalCancer
Through #OBSPACE, we're documenting innovative prevention & screening approaches. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/CCAMOBS1
#EuropeanBeatingCancerPlan #CervicalCancer
January is #CervicalCancerAwareness Month, and we want to show how innovative, data-driven strategies are advancing prevention & screening in Europe
Drawing on the latest case studies from #OBSPACE, we can see how different countries address this: eurohealthobservatory.who.int/monitors/pac... #EBCP
Drawing on the latest case studies from #OBSPACE, we can see how different countries address this: eurohealthobservatory.who.int/monitors/pac... #EBCP
January 28, 2026 at 1:56 PM
January is #CervicalCancerAwareness Month, and we want to show how innovative, data-driven strategies are advancing prevention & screening in Europe
Drawing on the latest case studies from #OBSPACE, we can see how different countries address this: eurohealthobservatory.who.int/monitors/pac... #EBCP
Drawing on the latest case studies from #OBSPACE, we can see how different countries address this: eurohealthobservatory.who.int/monitors/pac... #EBCP
This week, the Observatory joined WHO Ukraine and #WHOBarcelona in Brussels to discuss deepened collaboration. Our partnership has delivered critical evidence including the recent report Strengthening Rehabilitation Care: https://tinyurl.com/OBSOB72
January 27, 2026 at 5:18 PM
This week, the Observatory joined WHO Ukraine and #WHOBarcelona in Brussels to discuss deepened collaboration. Our partnership has delivered critical evidence including the recent report Strengthening Rehabilitation Care: https://tinyurl.com/OBSOB72
⏰TOMORROW #OBSWebinars: Reducing inequalities in cancer care across the EU
🗓️ 27 Jan ▫️🕒 12 –13:00 CET
Register: tinyurl.com/OBS27Jan
What can #HealthSystems do across the #CancerCare continuum, & what are the success factors & challenges? #BeatingCancerPlan #EUCancerPlan
🗓️ 27 Jan ▫️🕒 12 –13:00 CET
Register: tinyurl.com/OBS27Jan
What can #HealthSystems do across the #CancerCare continuum, & what are the success factors & challenges? #BeatingCancerPlan #EUCancerPlan
Reducing inequalities in cancer care across the European Union
Despite improvements in cancer survival across Europe, inequalities persist along the cancer care continuum, both between and within countries. These disparities are shaped by socioeconomic status, geography and education, and health system factors also...
tinyurl.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:55 PM
⏰TOMORROW #OBSWebinars: Reducing inequalities in cancer care across the EU
🗓️ 27 Jan ▫️🕒 12 –13:00 CET
Register: tinyurl.com/OBS27Jan
What can #HealthSystems do across the #CancerCare continuum, & what are the success factors & challenges? #BeatingCancerPlan #EUCancerPlan
🗓️ 27 Jan ▫️🕒 12 –13:00 CET
Register: tinyurl.com/OBS27Jan
What can #HealthSystems do across the #CancerCare continuum, & what are the success factors & challenges? #BeatingCancerPlan #EUCancerPlan
Observatory Director Ewout van Ginneken gave an opening keynote at the Vlerick Healthcare Conference 2026, using #SoHEU Country Health Profiles to discuss effectiveness, accessibility & resilience of European #healthsystems, with a focus on Belgium. More: https://tinyurl.com/SOHEU2025
January 23, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Observatory Director Ewout van Ginneken gave an opening keynote at the Vlerick Healthcare Conference 2026, using #SoHEU Country Health Profiles to discuss effectiveness, accessibility & resilience of European #healthsystems, with a focus on Belgium. More: https://tinyurl.com/SOHEU2025
#CancerCare is improving, but inequalities persist across the care continuum. Join our #OBSWebinars on 🗓️ 27 Jan (12–13:00 CET) to explore the #HealthSystem levers that can reduce disparities, and what it takes to implement them #EUCancerPlan
Register: tinyurl.com/OBS27Jan
Register: tinyurl.com/OBS27Jan
January 21, 2026 at 12:56 PM
#CancerCare is improving, but inequalities persist across the care continuum. Join our #OBSWebinars on 🗓️ 27 Jan (12–13:00 CET) to explore the #HealthSystem levers that can reduce disparities, and what it takes to implement them #EUCancerPlan
Register: tinyurl.com/OBS27Jan
Register: tinyurl.com/OBS27Jan
➡️Via #Eurohealth and #EPHConference: Planetary health as a catalyst for economic transformation
📘 Read it: https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/publications/i/planetary-health-as-a-catalyst-for-economic-transformation-in-europe
📹 Watch Plenary 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq-AJLlv-q4
📘 Read it: https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/publications/i/planetary-health-as-a-catalyst-for-economic-transformation-in-europe
📹 Watch Plenary 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq-AJLlv-q4
Planetary health as a catalyst for economic transformation in Europe
Planetary health links human well-being with nature, offering a path to sustainability and economic resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in health systems and the global economy. ...
eurohealthobservatory.who.int
January 20, 2026 at 2:52 PM
➡️Via #Eurohealth and #EPHConference: Planetary health as a catalyst for economic transformation
📘 Read it: https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/publications/i/planetary-health-as-a-catalyst-for-economic-transformation-in-europe
📹 Watch Plenary 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq-AJLlv-q4
📘 Read it: https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/publications/i/planetary-health-as-a-catalyst-for-economic-transformation-in-europe
📹 Watch Plenary 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq-AJLlv-q4
WHO EURO's #PECCH consultation heard from the Observatory’s Dimitra Panteli on climate action in #HealthSystems. Key message: #ClimateChange and health are bidirectional & solutions can strengthen prevention & #PrimaryCare
More: tinyurl.com/OBSPB68g & tinyurl.com/OBSPB70g
More: tinyurl.com/OBSPB68g & tinyurl.com/OBSPB70g
January 19, 2026 at 4:04 PM
WHO EURO's #PECCH consultation heard from the Observatory’s Dimitra Panteli on climate action in #HealthSystems. Key message: #ClimateChange and health are bidirectional & solutions can strengthen prevention & #PrimaryCare
More: tinyurl.com/OBSPB68g & tinyurl.com/OBSPB70g
More: tinyurl.com/OBSPB68g & tinyurl.com/OBSPB70g
Kicking-off the 2026 #OBSWebinars season:
Reducing inequalities in cancer care across the EU
🗓️ 27 Jan| 🕒 12:00–13:00 CET
Register: tinyurl.com/OBS27Jan
What can #HealthSystems do across the #CancerCare continuum, what are the success factors & challenges? #BeatingCancerPlan
Reducing inequalities in cancer care across the EU
🗓️ 27 Jan| 🕒 12:00–13:00 CET
Register: tinyurl.com/OBS27Jan
What can #HealthSystems do across the #CancerCare continuum, what are the success factors & challenges? #BeatingCancerPlan
January 15, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Kicking-off the 2026 #OBSWebinars season:
Reducing inequalities in cancer care across the EU
🗓️ 27 Jan| 🕒 12:00–13:00 CET
Register: tinyurl.com/OBS27Jan
What can #HealthSystems do across the #CancerCare continuum, what are the success factors & challenges? #BeatingCancerPlan
Reducing inequalities in cancer care across the EU
🗓️ 27 Jan| 🕒 12:00–13:00 CET
Register: tinyurl.com/OBS27Jan
What can #HealthSystems do across the #CancerCare continuum, what are the success factors & challenges? #BeatingCancerPlan
#SoHEU Country Health Profile spotlight 🔦 Luxembourg🇱🇺
We joined partners for a press conference to present the 2025 profile, covering health status, determinants, system organisation, performance and pharmaceutical policies. 🔎 https://tinyurl.com/SOHEULUX
We joined partners for a press conference to present the 2025 profile, covering health status, determinants, system organisation, performance and pharmaceutical policies. 🔎 https://tinyurl.com/SOHEULUX
January 14, 2026 at 3:58 PM
#SoHEU Country Health Profile spotlight 🔦 Luxembourg🇱🇺
We joined partners for a press conference to present the 2025 profile, covering health status, determinants, system organisation, performance and pharmaceutical policies. 🔎 https://tinyurl.com/SOHEULUX
We joined partners for a press conference to present the 2025 profile, covering health status, determinants, system organisation, performance and pharmaceutical policies. 🔎 https://tinyurl.com/SOHEULUX
📘 New in #HealthPolicyJournal: Small countries face specific challenges in #HealthWorkforce sustainability, but their solutions are a resilience testbed for all. Training, mobility & retention policies offer lessons for all systems
Full article here 🖇️ https://tinyurl.com/HPv165
Full article here 🖇️ https://tinyurl.com/HPv165
January 12, 2026 at 3:53 PM
📘 New in #HealthPolicyJournal: Small countries face specific challenges in #HealthWorkforce sustainability, but their solutions are a resilience testbed for all. Training, mobility & retention policies offer lessons for all systems
Full article here 🖇️ https://tinyurl.com/HPv165
Full article here 🖇️ https://tinyurl.com/HPv165
🔔@EHMAinfo has opened the call for abstracts for the European Health Management Conference #EHMC2026.
Health management professionals, researchers & policymakers are encouraged to submit their innovative research by ⏰11 January 2026 at 20.00 CET
Info: https://bit.ly/4gXf3Xb
Health management professionals, researchers & policymakers are encouraged to submit their innovative research by ⏰11 January 2026 at 20.00 CET
Info: https://bit.ly/4gXf3Xb
January 9, 2026 at 4:15 PM
🔔@EHMAinfo has opened the call for abstracts for the European Health Management Conference #EHMC2026.
Health management professionals, researchers & policymakers are encouraged to submit their innovative research by ⏰11 January 2026 at 20.00 CET
Info: https://bit.ly/4gXf3Xb
Health management professionals, researchers & policymakers are encouraged to submit their innovative research by ⏰11 January 2026 at 20.00 CET
Info: https://bit.ly/4gXf3Xb
Happy New Year 🎉 and welcome back!
We’re excited for what’s ahead: a strong webinar lineup and timely publications on #AI, #financing, and Health Systems reviews, and much more!
Want updates straight to your inbox? Subscribe here:
tinyurl.com/47s93px7
We’re excited for what’s ahead: a strong webinar lineup and timely publications on #AI, #financing, and Health Systems reviews, and much more!
Want updates straight to your inbox? Subscribe here:
tinyurl.com/47s93px7
January 6, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Happy New Year 🎉 and welcome back!
We’re excited for what’s ahead: a strong webinar lineup and timely publications on #AI, #financing, and Health Systems reviews, and much more!
Want updates straight to your inbox? Subscribe here:
tinyurl.com/47s93px7
We’re excited for what’s ahead: a strong webinar lineup and timely publications on #AI, #financing, and Health Systems reviews, and much more!
Want updates straight to your inbox? Subscribe here:
tinyurl.com/47s93px7
Europe’s #HealthSystems are evolving
Discover the latest reforms with the Health Reform Tracker (2025 data now live). Compare countries, track progress & explore trends
📺 Watch the demo & explore: https://www.obshealthreformtracker.com
🔴 & on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BY5mZMnhikQ?si=3bWY_H8ml5dfWV9N
Discover the latest reforms with the Health Reform Tracker (2025 data now live). Compare countries, track progress & explore trends
📺 Watch the demo & explore: https://www.obshealthreformtracker.com
🔴 & on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BY5mZMnhikQ?si=3bWY_H8ml5dfWV9N
How to use the Health Reform Tracker
YouTube video by European Observatory on Health Systems & Policies
youtu.be
January 2, 2026 at 8:44 AM
Europe’s #HealthSystems are evolving
Discover the latest reforms with the Health Reform Tracker (2025 data now live). Compare countries, track progress & explore trends
📺 Watch the demo & explore: https://www.obshealthreformtracker.com
🔴 & on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BY5mZMnhikQ?si=3bWY_H8ml5dfWV9N
Discover the latest reforms with the Health Reform Tracker (2025 data now live). Compare countries, track progress & explore trends
📺 Watch the demo & explore: https://www.obshealthreformtracker.com
🔴 & on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BY5mZMnhikQ?si=3bWY_H8ml5dfWV9N
In #HealthPolicyJournal: How is #IntegratedCare progressing in Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania? (𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘑𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘳𝘦-𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘧)
Analysis finds uneven implementation, workforce & payment barriers, but political commitment is an enabler
More https://tinyurl.com/m4djdrnt
Analysis finds uneven implementation, workforce & payment barriers, but political commitment is an enabler
More https://tinyurl.com/m4djdrnt
December 30, 2025 at 8:23 AM
In #HealthPolicyJournal: How is #IntegratedCare progressing in Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania? (𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘑𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘳𝘦-𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘧)
Analysis finds uneven implementation, workforce & payment barriers, but political commitment is an enabler
More https://tinyurl.com/m4djdrnt
Analysis finds uneven implementation, workforce & payment barriers, but political commitment is an enabler
More https://tinyurl.com/m4djdrnt
🔔@EHMAinfo has opened the call for abstracts for the European Health Management Conference #EHMC2026.
Health management professionals, researchers & policymakers are encouraged to submit their innovative research by ⏰11 January 2026 at 20.00 CET
Info: https://bit.ly/4gXf3Xb
Health management professionals, researchers & policymakers are encouraged to submit their innovative research by ⏰11 January 2026 at 20.00 CET
Info: https://bit.ly/4gXf3Xb
December 23, 2025 at 4:02 PM
🔔@EHMAinfo has opened the call for abstracts for the European Health Management Conference #EHMC2026.
Health management professionals, researchers & policymakers are encouraged to submit their innovative research by ⏰11 January 2026 at 20.00 CET
Info: https://bit.ly/4gXf3Xb
Health management professionals, researchers & policymakers are encouraged to submit their innovative research by ⏰11 January 2026 at 20.00 CET
Info: https://bit.ly/4gXf3Xb
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧: How well does the German #healthsystem perform amid current reforms? 🏥
As part of @lsehealthpolicy.bsky.social's exciting winter events programme and 30th anniversary, join LSE for a compelling lecture on Germany's healthcare system
www.lse.ac.uk/lse-health/e...
📅𝟯 𝗙𝗲𝗯, 𝟲:𝟯𝟬 - 𝟴 𝗣𝗠
📍𝗟𝗦𝗘
As part of @lsehealthpolicy.bsky.social's exciting winter events programme and 30th anniversary, join LSE for a compelling lecture on Germany's healthcare system
www.lse.ac.uk/lse-health/e...
📅𝟯 𝗙𝗲𝗯, 𝟲:𝟯𝟬 - 𝟴 𝗣𝗠
📍𝗟𝗦𝗘
December 22, 2025 at 2:58 PM
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧: How well does the German #healthsystem perform amid current reforms? 🏥
As part of @lsehealthpolicy.bsky.social's exciting winter events programme and 30th anniversary, join LSE for a compelling lecture on Germany's healthcare system
www.lse.ac.uk/lse-health/e...
📅𝟯 𝗙𝗲𝗯, 𝟲:𝟯𝟬 - 𝟴 𝗣𝗠
📍𝗟𝗦𝗘
As part of @lsehealthpolicy.bsky.social's exciting winter events programme and 30th anniversary, join LSE for a compelling lecture on Germany's healthcare system
www.lse.ac.uk/lse-health/e...
📅𝟯 𝗙𝗲𝗯, 𝟲:𝟯𝟬 - 𝟴 𝗣𝗠
📍𝗟𝗦𝗘
The Observatory's Jon Cylus spoke at Thailand’s 3rd National #UHC Conference on how #PASH tests #HealthFinancing sustainability as populations age... & thats not all🧱This week, he also helped build a Thai PASH
Curious abou the PASH Simulator 2.0? Check it out here➡️ https://lnkd.in/dYs4QYEN
Curious abou the PASH Simulator 2.0? Check it out here➡️ https://lnkd.in/dYs4QYEN
December 21, 2025 at 8:22 AM
The Observatory's Jon Cylus spoke at Thailand’s 3rd National #UHC Conference on how #PASH tests #HealthFinancing sustainability as populations age... & thats not all🧱This week, he also helped build a Thai PASH
Curious abou the PASH Simulator 2.0? Check it out here➡️ https://lnkd.in/dYs4QYEN
Curious abou the PASH Simulator 2.0? Check it out here➡️ https://lnkd.in/dYs4QYEN
🆕 New for the 2025 #SoHEU Country Health Profiles: an interactive Data Explorer. Compare countries with the EU average on #HealthOutcomes, risk factors, #HealthSystem performance & #pharmaceuticals, with custom multi-country views and charts.
🔎Explore: https://tinyurl.com/yv9puk8b
🔎Explore: https://tinyurl.com/yv9puk8b
December 17, 2025 at 4:44 PM
🆕 New for the 2025 #SoHEU Country Health Profiles: an interactive Data Explorer. Compare countries with the EU average on #HealthOutcomes, risk factors, #HealthSystem performance & #pharmaceuticals, with custom multi-country views and charts.
🔎Explore: https://tinyurl.com/yv9puk8b
🔎Explore: https://tinyurl.com/yv9puk8b
The 2025 #SoHEU Synthesis Report distils findings from 29 Country Health Profiles into clear EU-wide trends on #NCD prevention, #digitalhealth, #primarycare & affordable access to #pharmaceuticals, plus 1-page summaries for each country
🔗Read it here: qrco.de/soheu25
🔗Read it here: qrco.de/soheu25
December 15, 2025 at 1:59 PM
The 2025 #SoHEU Synthesis Report distils findings from 29 Country Health Profiles into clear EU-wide trends on #NCD prevention, #digitalhealth, #primarycare & affordable access to #pharmaceuticals, plus 1-page summaries for each country
🔗Read it here: qrco.de/soheu25
🔗Read it here: qrco.de/soheu25
Just announced: the 20th #OBSSummerSchool!
Theme: Paying for health care in the face of fiscal constraints, how policy-makers can raise revenues & spend smarter to strengthen #HealthSystems
Applications open in early 2026
📅 19–25 July 2026, Venice 🇮🇹 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/OBSSS26
Theme: Paying for health care in the face of fiscal constraints, how policy-makers can raise revenues & spend smarter to strengthen #HealthSystems
Applications open in early 2026
📅 19–25 July 2026, Venice 🇮🇹 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/OBSSS26
December 14, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Just announced: the 20th #OBSSummerSchool!
Theme: Paying for health care in the face of fiscal constraints, how policy-makers can raise revenues & spend smarter to strengthen #HealthSystems
Applications open in early 2026
📅 19–25 July 2026, Venice 🇮🇹 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/OBSSS26
Theme: Paying for health care in the face of fiscal constraints, how policy-makers can raise revenues & spend smarter to strengthen #HealthSystems
Applications open in early 2026
📅 19–25 July 2026, Venice 🇮🇹 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/OBSSS26
Delighted to have joined the inauguration of the 2nd #HealthUnionFellowship, where we introduced the Observatory, spoke about Health IN and FOR All Policies, and brought our “Everything” book: qrco.de/OBSeywtkeuhp.
Congrats to the 33 Fellows on the journey ahead!
Congrats to the 33 Fellows on the journey ahead!
December 13, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Delighted to have joined the inauguration of the 2nd #HealthUnionFellowship, where we introduced the Observatory, spoke about Health IN and FOR All Policies, and brought our “Everything” book: qrco.de/OBSeywtkeuhp.
Congrats to the 33 Fellows on the journey ahead!
Congrats to the 33 Fellows on the journey ahead!