Translational Science and Global Health

The importance of translational science for global health goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include a global commitment to health. Much of the effort towards achieving improved health has been focused on universal health coverage, in particular in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).  However, the valuable progress made towards this goal does not necessarily improve health. Recent research suggests that more than half of excess deaths amendable to health care in LMICs are due to poor quality care, rather than to not accessing care at all.

This makes translational science central for achieving global health goals. Yet many health innovations are intended primarily for health systems of high-income countries. Even those innovations that are targeted at lower and middle-income countries often do not scale well beyond local projects, or are hindered by the lack of foundational elements of a well-functioning health system. Effective translation therefore depends on understanding and addressing the wider context for innovation implementation in specific countries and settings. The context for translation in low and middle-income countries is also particularly shaped by international organisations, including governmental institutions such as the World Bank and non-governmental organisations such as major donor charities.

Guest lecturers will include members of the Lancet Global Health Commission.

The last date for receipt of complete applications is 5pm Friday 29th April 2022. Regrettably, late applications cannot be accepted.

Prices start from £2,080.00