Matthias Wilhelm is a clinical cardiologist and researcher specializing in cardiac rehabilitation and digital health. He is medical director of the Centre for Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine at the Insel Group and currently chair of the task force for the first European Guidelines for Cardiac Rehabilitation. He will provide an overview of rehabilitation as a key health strategy for the 21st century, addressing the challenges and barriers to large-scale implementation. He will highlight research opportunities, with a focus on digital health interventions and co-creation that integrates the perspectives of patients and their families.