The PHRC (Planetary Health Report Card)—a criteria-based tool developed in 2019 by students at the University of California School of Medicine to evaluate the content and practices of health education institutions in the field of planetary health—has released its 2026 assessments.
Our University’s School of Pharmacy has continued its upward trajectory this year, building on the progress it began in 2024 when it received its first evaluation. With the 2026 report, our School of Pharmacy has demonstrated significant progress in the field of planetary health at both the academic and institutional levels, rising to a B- rating. It had previously been rated D+ in 2024 and C in 2025. According to the evaluation, the increase in our university’s score was attributed to notable improvements in areas previously rated as weak, as well as the more systematic and transparent reporting of current initiatives.
The PHRC aims to encourage both students and institutions to develop environmental awareness by highlighting the strengths and areas for improvement in the field of sustainability within faculties. As part of the assessment process, teams led by students and mentored by faculty members at each institution evaluate their faculties according to PHRC criteria and share their findings in an international report published annually on Earth Day.
Our university faculty member, Prof. Dr. Mine Durusu Tanrıöver, shared the following information on the subject:
"One of the key contributors to this progress was the advancement in the Curriculum domain. In 2026, the more comprehensive integration of sustainability, planetary health, and environmental health topics into the curriculum played a decisive role in improving the score. Additionally, increased awareness among faculty members and their enhanced engagement in teaching these topics further supported this progress. A newly introduced evaluation criterion in the 2026 report, which assesses education on civic engagement and advocacy related to environmental and structural determinants of health, also revealed the faculty’s existing potential in this area and contributed to additional points.
Another important area of improvement was Community Outreach and Advocacy. In 2026, the increase in the number of certified training programs related to health and sustainability within Hacettepe University directly contributed to the higher score in this domain. This development indicates that the university is strengthening its role not only in academic production but also in raising public awareness and providing community-oriented education.
The improvement observed in Support for Student-Led Initiatives is closely linked to the growing number of student-driven activities. The increase in TÜBİTAK-funded projects focused on sustainability within the faculty demonstrates that students are taking a more active role in this field. Furthermore, the inclusion of the PHRC team on the official website of the university’s Sustainable Campuses Coordination Office enhanced visibility and institutional recognition, thereby supporting the score increase in this category.
Progress in the Campus Sustainability domain was mainly associated with structural and environmental policies implemented across the university. The university’s emphasis on incorporating sustainable design systems in both new and existing buildings, the implementation of zero-waste practices in cafeterias and dining halls, and the consideration of sustainability criteria in procurement processes all contributed to the improved score in this area. These developments reflect concrete steps taken to reduce the environmental impact of the campus.
Overall, the increase in the 2026 PHRC score is attributable not only to the implementation of new initiatives but also to the more conscious, systematic, and transparent reporting of existing activities. Advancements in curriculum integration, community engagement, support for student initiatives, and campus sustainability have collectively strengthened the faculty’s position in the field of planetary health."
