Introduction

“New Challenges: New Issues”

The past year has opened up many untrodden paths! We have had to deal with new research issues as well as having to face the challenges of  everyday life. Most of this has been related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we have had to learn new procedures, use innovative tools, including cloud-based platforms for video and audio conferencing and distance learning. Nonetheless, we would still like to plan for a hybrid meeting of the working group, for both on-site attendees and remote participants. . .

The theme of “New Challenges” will cover new, and only partially solved issues, as well as  the  ongoing ones which now have to be solved under completely different  conditions. The goal is to prepare a range of sessions covering challenges in current health, morbidity, and mortality research.

• Social event – if the current forecasts for vaccinations and their efficacy hold out, we look forward to being able to meet up again for the working sessions and  a meal, a drink . . . otherwise  we’ll have an evening of DIY drinks and dinner, some online music and other entertainment!

• Side meeting – We anticipate having one of the sessions devoted to the issue of COVID-19, but we also plan on having a more informal session, or side meeting, in which we can discuss ongoing work, data access and possible collaborations. See preliminary program.