NUHA Executive Board gathers in Reykjavik to discuss the future of Nordic healthcare
The Nordic University Hospital Alliance (NUHA) convened its Executive Board and Steering Committee in Reykjavik, Iceland, on January 14–15, 2026, to discuss strategic developments, emerging healthcare priorities, and future collaboration across the Nordic region.
Written by: Sandra Dale.
NUHA is in Reykjavik to discuss the future of nordic healthcare. Photos: Thorkell Thorlelsson.
Hosted at Landspitali University Hospital, Iceland’s National University Hospital, the meeting brought together leaders from Copenhagen, Helsinki, Oslo, Reykjavik, and Stockholm.
The two-day meeting covered a broad agenda, including updates on ongoing working groups, governance structures, research and innovation initiatives, and the evaluation of potential new focus areas. Participants also toured Landspitali University Hospital’s new hospital facilities, highlighting innovations in patient care and hospital design.
“NUHA is a unique platform for Nordic university hospitals to collaborate, learn from each other, and jointly tackle some of the biggest healthcare challenges in our region. This meeting allows us to align priorities, explore emerging areas, and make sure our initiatives bring concrete benefits to patients and healthcare systems,” said Bjørn Atle Bjørnbeth, CEO at Oslo University Hospital in Norway.
Emerging areas highlighted
NUHA has several key focus areas that are important for the future. During the meeting, special emphasis was placed on crisis preparedness and how university hospitals can collaborate across borders. These emerging areas are considered for further exploration.
“By pooling knowledge, harmonizing methodologies, and sharing best practices, NUHA can help drive innovation and improve patient outcomes across the Nordic region, said Matti Bergendahl,” CEO Helsinki University Hospital.
Governance and collaboration
The meeting also focused on governance, with discussions on how to improve coordination between working groups, clarify leadership roles, and enable clinically led initiatives to move faster while ensuring accountability. The Executive Board explored proposals for an “Enabling Force” to support operational coordination and improve the speed of decision-making across NUHA initiatives.
The Nordic University Hospital Alliance (NUHA) at an executive board gathering in Reykjavik.
NUHA expansion and strategic next steps
Finally, the meeting addressed the future growth of NUHA and engagement with national networks. Pilot projects and emerging areas will be finalized in the coming months.
“As administrators of major university hospitals, it’s crucial that we create structures that enable innovation while staying grounded in patient care. NUHA provides a forum for collaboration that strengthens not only our hospitals but the entire Nordic healthcare system,” said Rasmus Møgelvang, CEO at Rigshospitalet University Hospital in Denmark.
Looking ahead: Opportunities and collaboration
The Reykjavik meeting set the stage for future initiatives and collaboration. The outcomes will feed into the agenda of the next NUHA Summit in Oslo in May 2026, including updates on emerging areas and governance strategies.
“It has been a pleasure to host NUHA here in Reykjavik. The discussions and collaborations over these past two days have demonstrated the strength of Nordic collaboration and our shared commitment to advancing healthcare for all,” said Runólfur Pálsson, CEO of Landspitali University Hospital, the National University Hospital of Iceland.