SOPHIA was formed in late 2011 by a group convened at the 2010 HIA of the Americas Workshop, and has since grown to over 240 members worldwide. We welcome all HIA practitioners, whether experienced or novice, from any geographic region or country, and those with a broader interest in HIA, to join us. Please visit this page to learn more about becoming a member.
SOPHIA is an association of individuals and organizations providing leadership and promoting excellence in the practice of health impact assessment.
SOPHIA will be a leading network of health impact assessment practitioners. By promoting and practicing a thorough and systematic consideration of health in decision making, we work towards achieving better health for all.
As Health Impact Assessment practitioners, our work will reflect the following core values:
[Values adapted from: Quigley R, den Broeder L, Furu P, Bond A, Cave B, Bos R. Health Impact Assessment International Best Practice Principles. Fargo, USA: International Association of Impact Assessment, 2006.]
SOPHIA is governed by a Steering Committee and staffed by one part-time Director and dozens of volunteer members. SOPHIA members nominate and elect the Steering Committee every year. The next Steering Committee will be elected in Summer 2019. SOPHIA is fiscally sponsored by Human Impact Partners.
SOPHIA’s Steering Committee and interested members concluded the last strategic planning process in early 2018. The resulting Strategic Plan defines our strategic directions and activities through 2020.