The ever-growing collection of data (Evidence)is like a mycelium which covers an entire forest – it remains virtually invisible and the desired effects spring up like mushrooms only in specific places and conditions. These external manifestations of that mycelium’s life are our Actions undertaken within the healthcare system: health programmes, system reforms, implementation of solutions. Only ideas which face favourable circumstances have a chance to succeed.

The past few months, marked by the struggle against COVID-19, forced mankind to immediately move to Action, to face a threat not yet described in the Evidence. This situation confirms the relevance of the direction set out by the theme of this year’s Symposium: from Evidence to Action. We need to develop tools for faster implementation of knowledge, to avoid surprises on such a huge and sometimes tragic scale in the future.

I am counting on your participation and lively discussions. Life has provided more than enough topics, problems and challenges in the recent months...