The WHO Collaborating Centre at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) works with the World Health Organization (WHO) to reinforce the social foundations of health and well-being. Designated in September 2025, the centre supports WHO’s efforts to build equitable and inclusive societies through well-being economies – systems based on fairness, participation and shared responsibility for people and planet.
Just and resilient societies
“This collaboration strengthens NTNU’s role as a knowledge partner working for a better world, linking our research excellence with WHO’s mission to advance global equity and sustainability. Through NTNU WellFare, we will help build the evidence and partnerships needed for more just and resilient societies,” says Rector Tor Grande.
“By hosting the WHO Collaborating Centre at NTNU WellFare, we bring together researchers across disciplines and sectors to co-create knowledge and solutions that reinforce the social foundations of health, education and participation,” says Dean Tine Arntzen Hestbek at the Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences.
Strong partnerships and tangible results
Through research, policy collaboration and capacity building, the centre connects local innovation to global action for health equity and well-being for all. It is part of WHO’s network of more than 800 collaborating centres worldwide, generating and sharing knowledge for healthier and more sustainable societies.
The centre builds on long-standing collaboration with WHO, municipalities and ministries in Norway and beyond. Together with WHO and partners, NTNU researchers contribute to evidence and practices that strengthen social connectedness, trust and equity – turning knowledge into lasting change.
Join us in shaping fairer societies
The Collaborating Centre will support WHO in analysing, compiling and communicating research and promising practices that advance the social dimensions of well-being, and in helping countries transition to well-being economy approaches.
Photo: Elin Iversen/NTNU.
The centre combine research and policy translation with collaboration across WHO’s networks – particularly the Regions for Health and Healthy Cities Networks – linking country experiences to global dialogue and tools. Our WHO CC is embedded in NTNU WellFare, providing a long-term platform for innovation, capacity building and impact.
The centre warmly welcome collaboration with researchers, policymakers and practitioners who share its vision of building fairer, more inclusive and sustainable societies. Join the centre in co-creating evidence, tools and practices that advance well-being economies and promote health equity and social sustainability across generations.