On May 13, 2024, the European Academy for Interprofessional Science convened an online meeting assembling 30 interprofessional scholars from countries across Europe. This meeting marked a significant milestone in the journey towards the highly anticipated book “Building Bridges: A European perspective on interprofessional education, practice, policy and research” which  intends to catalyse advancements in interprofessional education and collaborative practice within the European region.

A key focus of the meeting was to present progress and updates surrounding the book’s development. Editors and contributors engaged in interesting discussions, sharing insights on chapter advancements and addressing pertinent queries to ensure coherence and alignment in the collective endeavour. The book is well on its way and we are very excited and proud to have such a committed and passionate team of contributors.   

In addition to deliberations on the book’s content, strategic plans for its dissemination were also discussed. During the meeting, participants discussed ways to enhance the book’s impact by exploring potential connections with existing networks that share the goal of advancing interprofessional healthcare in Europe. This concerted effort underscores the Academy’s commitment to nurturing a dynamic community of interprofessional scholars.

Moreover, initial initiatives to cultivate and sustain this community were shared. For example, plans were shared to gradually enhance the Interprofessional.Science website, extending its utility as a knowledge-sharing platform. The Editors also shared further information about the forthcoming Winterthur Symposium on the 28th and 29th of November 2024, during which an in-person Academy meeting with attending book contributors will be organised.

The Winterthur Symposium becomes an important forum for the launch and promotion of the “Building Bridges” book. As a gesture of appreciation, the organisers extended a generous 50% discount on conference fees exclusively for book contributors, incentivising participation and engagement. Everyone was encouraged to disseminate information about the Symposium, extending invitations to colleagues and students. This inclusive approach underscores a commitment to supporting the next generation of interprofessional scholars, ensuring the lasting impact of interprofessional science.

The meeting was a great example of people across countries and professions coming together with shared ideas, enthusiasm, and motivation for the potential of “Building Bridges.” As we move closer to completing the book and the Winterthur Symposium, excitement builds for the publication of the book and the next steps of the Academy. Stay tuned for more exciting developments to strengthen the scholarly foundations of interprofessional education and collaborative practice in Europe.

In the meantime, if you’re interested in learning more about the Academy, Building Bridges, or interprofessional education and collaborative practice in Europe, feel free to share your comments below and subscribe for updates!