Designathon FAQs

Design Thinking provides additional tools to break down wicked problems into solvable components. Design Thinking enables teams to examine a problem in new ways through creative, iterative processes. Students will learn the importance of breaking down a large, complicated problem into smaller aspects which can addressed, recognising there is no one elixir for any problem. 

As with all public health initiatives, solutions work in concert with one another. This Designathon will teach students to apply their public health knowledge and skills to a practical issue with the guidance from both public health and design thinking experts, as well as Designathon mentors. 

This year’s event will be held online, in order to give students from across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Pacific the opportunity to take part.  Zoom meeting link details will be provided on completion of registration for the event.

The 2026 Student Designathon brings together students from across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific to explore one of the sector’s most important challenges: strengthening public understanding of public health and its value. At a time of increasing complexity, misinformation and growing health threats, the Sprint will examine how the next generation can help shape the identity and visibility of public health through fresh ideas, bold messaging and community-centred thinking.

Understanding How do communities currently perceive public
health, and where are the gaps, misconceptions or missed
opportunities in understanding its role and impact?

Identity How might we better define and communicate what public
health is, who works in it, and why it matters in everyday life?

Action What messages, campaigns and engagement strategies could build stronger recognition, trust and support for public health across diverse communities?

• Registration is open to current Public Health students (including those studying Health Sciences, Health Promotion, Epidemiology, Allied Health, Medicine, Nursing etc.) from CAPHIA’s member institutions – visit: https://caphia.com.au/our-members/

• Spaces are limited!

Due to limited numbers, CAPHIA reserves the right to cancel registrations for ineligible applicants. 

Registration for the CAPHIA Public Health Student Designathon costs AU$20.00 per individual participant. 

Please note:

• Due to limited numbers, CAPHIA reserves the right to cancel registrations for ineligible applicants 

Register here

The world of public health is a big place! If you’re passionate about learning how to take your public health knowledge and translate it into real-life practice, the CAPHIA Student Designathon is the event for you!

Here is what the 2024 Public Health Hackathon participants said:

• “The experience was invaluable for applying knowledge, collaborating, and innovating solutions to real-world problems.” 
• “One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the power of diverse perspectives; working alongside individuals from various disciplines allowed us to approach challenges creatively and develop more holistic solutions.”
• “The hackathon provided a unique opportunity to explore new perspectives and innovative solutions on an issue closely related to my research.”
• “I made a lot of new friends from different backgrounds.”
• “The highlight of the hackathon was the chance to meet and collaborate with experts from diverse fields. Each person brought a unique perspective to the table.”

The Hackathon is an excellent way to apply your health knowledge, learn expand your problem solving toolbox, meet new people and have fun!

Either. Teams are finalised at the beginning of the Designathon. If students arrive with a ready-made team, we’ll keep them together, and anyone else will be grouped into teams as needed.

There’s no need to. Just register as an individual (and ensure your team-mates do too!).  We’ll keep you together when we organise the teams at the beginning of the Designathon.