INTRODUCTION:
Public health systems worldwide are facing intensifying political, social, and economic pressures. These include misinformation, declining public trust, and polarization. Academic institutions are facing similar challenges along with threats to academic freedom, constraints on research agendas, and increasing scrutiny of teaching and public engagement. Taken together, these forces create compounded risks for schools and programs of public health, leading to potentially detrimental impacts to public health teaching, research, and service.

METHODS:
This panel will examine how academic public health is navigating a rapidly evolving environment across different country and regional contexts. Panelists will consider issues such as accreditation, recognition and professionalization of the workforce, restrictions on academic expression, and financial sustainability.

RESULTS:
Speakers will share examples from their countries/regions, highlighting strategies to respond to these challenges. Panelists will identify lessons learned and promising practices.

CONCLUSIONS:
Academic public health offers a critical pathway into public health practice and leadership. Identifying and addressing the challenges of the current environment is critical to ensuring a strong public health workforce and continued advancement of public health science. This session will offer an interactive opportunity for shared learning and dialogue on sustaining academic public health amid global uncertainty.