With great success, the 12th European Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion – EU-SAFETY 2025 – was held in Heraklion, Crete, on 30 September – 1/2 October 2025 at the Cultural Conference Centre of Heraklion, bringing together more than 250 delegates from over 30 countries across Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Middle East.
The conference was co-organised by the Hellenic Mediterranean University and the Laboratory of Health and Road Safety (LaHeRS), Department of Social Work, in collaboration with EuroSafe (the European Association for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion). It hosted a large number of scientific paper sessions, thematic symposia and skill-building workshops, with a rich and interdisciplinary programme that covered key areas of public health, safety and rehabilitation.
The involvement of international organisations and national authorities, along with the support of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the Region of Crete and the 7th Regional Health Authority of Crete, highlighted the importance of partnership in building a safer society.
The conference highlighted the following key messages:
- Injuries remain one of the most preventable, yet often neglected, public health problems in Europe. Harmonised data collection and collaboration at European level are urgently needed.
- Survivors and their families must be placed at the centre of policy – with a focus on functional recovery, dignity and social reintegration.
- Road safety and micro-mobility require new, technologically smart and socially responsive approaches.
- Occupational safety and mental health are emerging as critical priorities in the modern era.
- Gender inequalities and violence against women require coordinated action and integrated support services.
- Children and young people are central to prevention – at home, at school and in digital environments.
- Innovation and AI offer new tools, but must be designed with human-centred principles.
Warm thanks to all participants, speakers, organisers and volunteers.
Special thanks to our main sponsors:
Lander Simulation & Training Solutions, Metaxa Hospitality Group, Karatarakis Hotels & Restaurants, Yianna Caravel, Plastika Kritis, SYFAK, ErgoProlipsis.
And to our supporters:
Ministry of Health, Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Region of Crete / Region of Crete, 7th Regional Health Authority of Crete, EUPHA, UNICEF, WONCA, EKAB, Hellenic Police, Hellenic Fire Service, Panhellenic Medical Association, NTUA, SOS Road Crimes, Panhellenic Association for the Support of Families of Road Victims, Hellenic Orthopaedic and Traumatology Society.
to our Media sponsors: Crete TV, neakriti.gr, Radio 98.4.
We also thank the Lyceum Club of Greek Women (Heraklion) for their exceptional cultural contribution to the Opening Ceremony.
The success of this event is a collective achievement — the result of trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to build a safer and more resilient Europe.
Until our next meeting, we continue to transform knowledge into action.
