What a pleasure it is to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Aspen Ideas: Health!
Ten years of coming together—mostly in person, and for two difficult years, virtually—to learn, network, and return to our home states and countries filled with innovative ideas and fresh perspectives. Ten years of stimulating conversations and thought-provoking presentations. Ten years in which we all set aside daily work routines to consider what makes us thrive, how to reorient health systems equitably, where artificial intelligence and cancer breakthroughs are taking us, why art matters, how to combat misinformation, overcome trauma, and build defenses against infectious disease, and so much more.
To help us reflect on what this anniversary means, we asked some of the speakers, fellows, and attendees who have joined us over the years to explain how Aspen Ideas: Health has inspired and influenced their work. And wow, did they share extraordinary stories. Flip through our new "Celebrating 10 Years of Impact" booklet to explore the ways our community of leaders has carried the spirit of the event forward to create change.
The most important takeaway is that our gatherings are so much more than a three-day event. They are indeed that, of course, enriched by ready access to some of the planet’s most accomplished thinkers and doers, refreshing mountain air, cultural offerings, and great food. But the shared experience endures long afterwards, as people follow up with new friends and colleagues, pursue their passions in novel ways, take on provocative challenges, and launch moonshots that somehow no longer seem so far out of reach. More than a few people have told us that sparks from Aspen Ideas: Health—ignited by who they met, the knowledge they gained, and the conviction that they can make a difference—have changed their lives.
Every summer, we create a community of accomplished, determined people who connect, learn, and go forth feeling renewed and empowered to help change the world. Together, we are making progress towards our common goal of ensuring better health for all. While we mark this occasion with a sampling of their stories, we know that many others continue to unfold. We expect that the next ten years will be as rich as the past ten, and our deepest gratitude goes to all who make that possible.
See you at Aspen Ideas: Health 2024!
RUTH J. KATZ
Vice President, Aspen Institute
Executive Director, Health, Medicine & Society Program
Director, Aspen Ideas: Health