WHO defines health communication as a key strategy to inform the public and maintain health issues on the public agenda (WHO, 1996). The majority of journalists, as research shows, lacks specialized health training and do not understand the complexities of scientific subjects (Smith, 2008; Dentzer, 2009). Inadequate, misleading or incomplete health coverage constitutes a public health threat (Voss, 2002). Journalists are not well prepared to handle a public health crisis. Media public information management during the latest H1N1 crisis showed the lack of professional training among journalists and media staff. Thus, there is an urgent need to fill this gap in the EU, especially given the impact media have on health perceptions and decision making.HeaRT's primary goal is to develop high quality vocational training offering knowledge and skills to journalists so as to improve health reporting in the EU. Since the majority of journalists reporting health lack specialized training and most media have "generalists" covering all issues, the project targets journalists in general. By offering improved qualifications journalists' employability and competitiveness will be enhanced. Furthermore, since the media play a vital role in health information dissemination and education of the general public (Finer et al., 1997) this project also aims to have a positive impact on the quality of health information delivered and, thus improve EU citizens' health literacy. Based on a critical analysis of health journalism education, a comprehensive review of existing knowledge and original research, innovative vocational training tools will be produced and piloted through workshops in all partners. Also, an online e-learning tool will be developed and widely disseminated across the EU as well as an easy-to-use CDROM for further use by professionals, organizations, academic institutions. The use of electronic means facilitates wider exploitation of the outputs.