Competencies for applied epidemiologists now available in all EU/EEA languages

News story

ECDC has published a report which contains the results of a review and update of the core competencies in applied infectious disease epidemiology for mid-career applied epidemiologists.

To facilitate the use of the competency set, the report has been translated and is now available in all EU/EEA languages.

Harmonising the competencies used in applied infectious disease epidemiology will facilitate collaboration and enhance the use of a common language among professionals who tackle cross-border health threats in Europe.

The competency framework contains a list of 157 competencies grouped in six subject areas:

  • Essential methods for applied infectious disease epidemiology
  • Preparedness, surveillance and response to infectious disease outbreaks
  • Communication and advocacy
  • Practice of infectious disease epidemiology
  • Contextual influences on infectious disease management
  • Leadership and management

It includes:

  • new competencies on one health;
  • climate change;
  • vaccinology;
  • infodemiology;
  • infodemic management.

The potential uses for this competency set include:

  • training needs assessments in public health institutions
  • individual assessments
  • writing of vacancy notices
  • professional development planning.

To facilitate the use of the competency set, the ECDC has also developed a self-assessment tool, which aims at helping individual professionals analyse their competency level in each domain and identify relevant resources provided by ECDC and its stakeholders. Case studies that show the use of the competency set will also be made available in the near future.

View the core competencies framework