Athens Institute
A World Association of Academics and Researchers: Promoting Global Education & Research
1995-2025: 30 Years of Bringing Academics and Scholars together in Athens
A Microsymposium on “The Fundamentals & Future of Social-Behavioural Health Across the Lifespan”
was held as part of the 12th Annual International Conference on Social Sciences
On Tuesday 29 July 2025, as part of the 12th Annual International Conference on Social Sciences, a Microsymposium on “The Fundamentals & Future of Social-Behavioural Health Across the Lifespan” was held from 09:30 to 11:00. The session was moderated by Nkhangweni Mahwasane (University of Venda, South Africa), and featured presentations from distinguished international scholars:
- Josh Firth, Associate Professor at the University of Leeds and Oxford University, UK, presented “Understanding Social Behaviour Across the Life-course in Real-World Populations: Fundamental Patterns, Trade-Offs, and Digital Solutions.” His talk explored key behavioural trends across different life stages, highlighting how emerging technologies can support healthier, evidence-based interventions in diverse populations.
- Joseph Firth, UKRI Fellow at the University of Manchester, UK, discussed “Healthier Interactions in the Online World: Emergent Findings & Future Challenges.” His research examined the psychological and social impacts of digital communication, identifying new pathways for fostering well-being in increasingly online societies.
- Alex Qian, Associate Professor at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore, presented “Physician Dual Practice, Public Waiting Time and Patient Welfare,” offering a data-driven analysis of healthcare dynamics and their broader implications for access, efficiency, and equity in public health systems.
This microsymposium highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of social-behavioural health research and emphasized the importance of evidence-informed strategies for improving health and social outcomes across all stages of life.


