GLOHRA 2020 Annual report “With its support Foreword of the German Alliance for Global Health Research, A message from the Speaker Trio the BMBF wants to address scientists in the field of global health across all disciplines. he German Alliance for It is in this broad context of new in establishing the structural and One aim of this measure is there­fore Global Health Research ways of organiz­ing and funding procedural aspects of GLOHRA. T (GLOHRA) was initiated research that GLOHRA can By facilitating elections of the to strengthen and, where necessary, to forge new links and mecha­ contribute. Steering Committee and devising build up the entire German research Prof. Dr. Veronika von Messling, nisms of cooperation – across our operational guidelines, we Federal Ministry for Education and research disciplines, institutions, As a part of GLOHRA’s leader­ were able to get straight to work. scene in this field. Precisely so that Research (BMBF), speaking at the sectors and countries. The ship, we are committed to paving Ties between members have still GLOHRA launch event holistic approaches can be better importance of this mission has the way for research that keeps been possible with regular virtual conceived of and implemented gained additional traction as the bigger picture in sight. Our meetings, the member Research GLOHRA was established in deliberate focus on bringing in Directory and introductions in the in the future.” February 2020, just as the SARS- perspectives from many disci­ newsletter. “In Germany, CoV-2 virus started spreading plines distinguishes GLOHRA around the world. from other initiatives. The process A big thanks to the wonderful excellent scientists often takes more time and energy team at the Secretariat for are conducting research on We see GLOHRA as part of – we use different languages helping to drive GLOHRA’s very different aspects of global the evolving global health and methods – but the result momentum. strategy of Germany, with a is continually becoming more health issues. In order to solve the broad-reaching commitment comprehensive and better. In less than a year, GLOHRA problems of the future, we need to to global health equity and has sent a clear message that build bridges between the disciplines. scientific rigor. Specialized research will always researchers across Germany – have a place in global health, from different cities, institutions In addition to medical expertise, it is also The mere exchange of information yet we seek to build bridges to and research disciplines – are important to understand why people via scientific publications and connect specialists. In this era of committed to joining forces to make certain health decisions, such as the conferences, focused collabora­ globalization we are seeing how tackle global health challenges. tions and multi-center studies closely health outcomes and their We are proud to be a part of this use of vaccinations, or how the various is clearly not enough to find determinants are interconnected. community and look forward Prof. Dr. Christian Drosten actors in the health system cooperate. joint solutions to pressing global Viruses and diseases do not to the many research, capacity- Director of the Institute of health issues, whether concerned respect borders. As researchers, building and implementation Virology of Charité, Founding Only in this way can we master Member of GLOHRA with infectious diseases, non- we should reflect this reality in our activities in the making. the complex challenges in communicable diseases, mental approaches in the lab, in the field global health.” health, health system strength­ and in the implementation of our ening, climate change or other findings. critical determinants of health. At a time where in-person contact has not been possible, the strong sense of community at GLOHRA Foreword 3 and fully operational governance At a Glance 4 is no small feat. Our team at the Background 6 Secretariat has been foundational About GLOHRA 8 2020 Milestones 10 People 12 Network 14 Steering Committee 2020–2022 16 Research Projects 18 Prof. Dr. Walter Bruchhausen Dr. Meral Esen Prof. Dr. Eva Rehfuess Events 22 Behind the Scenes at the Secretariat 25 Looking Ahead 26

2 Content GLOHRA German Alliance for Global Health Research Foreword 3 At a Glance Steering Committee About Us • 19 elected experts • speaker trio • The German Alliance for • GLOHRA was launched • Our community embraces • Together we are • interdisciplinary representation Global Health Research in February 2020 with representa­ tives­ from all committed to tackling • gender balanced (GLOHRA) is an funding and support research areas relevant today’s global health association of researchers from the German Federal for global health i.e., challenges via inter­disci­ from public research Ministry of Research and biomedical sciences, plinary and collabora­tive institutions in Germany Education (BMBF) social sciences and global health research humanities, public health, and engineering and German Alliance for other sciences Global Health Research globalhealth.de Secretariat hosted by Charité - Our Goals Universitätsmedizin Berlin GLOHRA aims to strengthen global health research in Germany by Members • ca. 600 researchers • all disciplines funding • > 100 German public connecting supporting research institutions groundbreaking enhancing a community the next research projects cross-sector of qualified generation of and scientific collaboration researchers researchers events

11 Achievements from our First 11 Months The German Alliance for Global Health Research consists of three organizing bodies:

The General Assembly is The Steering Committee is The Secretariat supports the 1. Established a fully-operational organization with 6. Published a joint statement in support of the WHO made up of the members and the key decision-making body operations and coordination ratified Statutes that bind us to our goals and associate members that have of GLOHRA. The 19 Steering of GLOHRA. The team is based commitment to interdisciplinary global health research 7. Developed a mechanism for evaluating inter­ been accepted following our Committee members include at Charité - Universitätsmedizin disciplinary research projects, launched a call for application process. female and male representatives Berlin. 2. Attracted membership of around 600 researchers proposals and evaluated 14 applications in the first from four research areas i.e., from over 100 public research institutions across evaluation round biomedical sciences, social Germany sciences and humanities, public 8. Awarded over 650,000 € in project funding to health, and engineering and 3. Members elected an interdisciplinary, gender- four interdisciplinary teams comprising more than other sciences. Elections are balanced 19-member Steering Committee, with a 12 researchers from 9 research institutions across held every two years. notable 72% voter turnout Germany

4. Created a visual identity and established our website 9. Reached 35,350 impressions on Twitter from 89 globalhealth.de, which hosts Germany’s first Global tweets and 224 followers GLOHRA is supported by the BMBF with over three Health Research Directory of ca. 600 researcher million euros in funding from 2020 to 2025. Additional profiles 10. Sent over 1,500 newsletter deliveries to our funds are reserved for selected research projects of community’s inboxes GLOHRA members and their partners 5. Hosted two exceptional sessions with over 300 attendees at the World Health Summit 2020 11. Initiated the development of an information repository to benefit early career researchers

4 At a Glance GLOHRA German Alliance for Global Health Research At a Glance 5 Background Scientific Collaboration to Face Global “The 2030 Health Challenges Supporting Germany’s Mission Agenda requires a “Because holistic and cross-sec­toral Addressing the complex challenges we face today – we know that to Improve Global Health approach to imple­mentation. neglected tropical diseases and antibiotic resistance, but doing things based on Interdisciplinary­ cooperation also mental illness and diabetes together with achieving a biomedical model alone – GLOHRA is part of a growing global health eco­ and research are needed to universal health coverage and the human right to health we’ve seen from history – that system in Germany. Over the past decade, global create a robust foundation – requires research approaches that defy traditional often doesn’t work. So I think health strategy and action has steadily gained that will allow us to identify boundaries. GLOHRA seeks to foster the point about needing the momentum in Germany as it becomes increasingly priorities and avoid exchange and forge new mechanisms social science, the behavioral clear that the global community must do more to negative interactions.” of cooperation across institutions, science aspects, including ensure health for all. disciplines, sectors and countries. economists, is key. And we’ve recognized that GLOHRA is one piece of this larger mission, with Global health is determined by – even before the an explicit focus on strengthening and expanding inseparable biological, cultural, pandemic.” global health research. By uniting the research political, economic, environmental, community in Germany under a common cause of and behavioral determinants of a healthier world, GLOHRA holds great potential to health. develop evidence and tools to tackle today’s global Global Health Strategy of the German Federal health challenges. Government, October 2020 Accordingly, interdisciplinary global health research and cross-sector Dr. Soumya Swaminathan collaboration is needed to understand WHO, Speaking at the World Health Summit 2020 GLOHRA-hosted Session the specific components and interplay on Evidence Based Decision Making Germany’s Role in Global Health of these factors.

June May March Aug Dec Feb Oct Feb March October 1848 1951 2015 2017 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2020 2020 2020

“Foster global health research Building A Global Perspective & innovation” stated as a priority in Germany’s updated Bridges to on Health Global Health Strategy WHO Declares COVID-19 a Global health is an emerging discipline pandemic and lockdown measures Connect are introduced in Germany which addresses health issues in a transnational and global GLOHRA is established Researchers perspective and focuses “Global health Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well- Global health research is being particularly on the inter­ is an area for study, being for All is launched at the World Health carried out at numerous universities dependencies between research, and practice that Summit, after a preliminary presentation by places a priority on improving Germany, Ghana and Norway at the UNGA 2019 and research institutions across globalization, health and health and achieving equity in health Initiation of the Global Health Hub Germany Germany. GLOHRA offers a platform the indi­vidual, societal for all people worldwide. Global health BMBF initiates consultation on a global for researchers to step beyond and environmental health research platform the confines of their institution or factors that determine emphasizes transnational health issues, determinants, and solutions; involves German government kicks off a process to specialty to connect with one another people’s health. determine the Federal Global Health Strategy in their attempt to better understand GLOHRA uses the many disciplines within and beyond Global health is identified as a priority in the and solve global health challenges. definition proposed the health sciences and promotes coalition contract of the German government by Koplan et al. as interdisciplinary collaboration; and is G20 Health Ministers meet in Berlin under the banner of Acting as a bridge to link and support a starting point for a synthesis of population-based “Together Today for a Healthy Tomorrow – Joint Commitment prevention with individual- for Shaping Global Health” our members, we hope that these conceptualizing global connections will not only lead to health: level clinical care.” Germany makes “health” a priority of its G7 Presidency more awareness about global health Germany joins the World Health Organization, nearly two decades before joining the United Nations activities and research, but also strengthen Germany’s contribution to Rudolf Virchow, known as the father of modern pathology, Koplan, J. P., Bond, T. C., Merson, M. H., Reddy, K. S., Rodriguez, famously declares: Medicine is a social science and politics is this field, for researchers both today M. H., Sewankambo, N. K., & Wasserheit, J. N. (2009). Towards a common nothing else but medicine on a large scale. and tomorrow. definition of global health. The Lancet, 373(9679), 1993-1995.

6 Background GLOHRA German Alliance for Global Health Research Background 7 About GLOHRA Values Vision Mission Equity Partnership Impact GLOHRA acts in support of Confident in the power of shared Our work is grounded in our health equity for all people, all knowledge, we relentlessly vision of improving health. We A healthier world Tackle today’s global over the world. This ambition encourage collaboration, espe­ go above and beyond to foster supported by global health challenges via motivates strategic and funding cial­ly among people from differ­ cross-sector dialogue and trans­ health research interdisciplinary and decisions. We also reflect this ent disciplines, institutions, late research into policy and value in our operations, which sectors and countries. Among our practice. This means considering collaborative global ensure gender equity and fair members as well as colla­borators impact from the design phase health research representation of all disciplines in low- and middle- income until well after the completed ex­ that contribute to global health. countries, we expect partnerships per­iment, workshop, event, etc. that stand on equal footing, demonstrate joint ownership and Excellence share recognition for achieve­ Sustainability ments. We propel research that adheres We acknowledge that healthy Objectives to the highest standards of people need healthy social quality and scientific rigor. We Transparency and natural ecosystems. As a expect that GLOHRA-supported research community, we call Build an interdisciplinary global health Boost the German contribution to global research and activities demon­ We maintain ongoing exchange for creative ways to reduce research community in Germany health research strate exceptional value as well in our community, prioritizing our environmental impact and as interdisciplinarity when honesty, openness and clear think long-term. We also ensure Our community of researchers is committed GLOHRA actively supports global health research addressing health challenges. communication. Our leadership longevity by embracing initiatives to improving global health via evidence-based with funding for interdisciplinary, cross-sector and as well as our members are that demonstrate genuine research. This notion unites our members, who hail global health fellowship research projects. Research held to high standards of ethical engagement from multiple from diverse disciplines and institutions in- and proposals are evaluated by our elected Steering conduct and professionalism. stakeholders. outside of Germany. Our ever-expanding Global Committee for their novelty, feasibility and impact- Health Research Directory offers a unique resource potential. By testing new models of cooperation, we for finding and connecting researchers based on seek to develop new links between disciplines and specialty, while our scientific events and workshops communities within Germany and internationally. provide a space for substantive exchange on topics Our activities and events further support better Throughout this report, relevant for global health research. Together we are research for pressing health challenges. we will introduce you to developing a joint understanding of global health. some GLOHRA members and their research!

Support the next generation of global Enhance cross-sector research health researchers in Germany collaboration in global health

With the GLOHRA Academy, we seek to prepare GLOHRA acknowledges that research must be early career researchers with the competencies, translated into policy and practice to have an impact. information and training they need to address global In addition to encouraging this collaboration in our health challenges. We are also supporting the cross-sector projects, our events and engagements development of an information repository to make prioritize exchange involving civil society, policymak­ it easier for researchers to identify edu­cational and er and industry perspectives. We are active in com­ other opportunities. Our funding for global health municating major developments with our research fellowships is specifically designed to support early community and seek new and innovative ways to career researchers. We are also working to develop generate dialogue between the research community career and research opportunities in the global and policymakers. health field in Germany so today’s students have greater opportunities tomorrow.

8 About GLOHRA GLOHRA German Alliance for Global Health Research About GLOHRA 9 2020 Milestones @globalhealth_de First tweet announces GLOHRA kick-off event draws over first call for project funding. 100 researchers from institutions all across Germany to discuss strategy Information repository for and meet the freshly elected Steering early career researchers Committee. See page 16. is set in motion by an The German Alliance for interdisciplinary team of Global Health Research GLOHRA members. (GLOHRA) is established as a BMBF-supported initiative for interdisciplinary, international and cross- sector global health research. See page 3. Steering Committee convenes for the first project evaluation meeting

January February March April May June July August September October November December

First Directory of Global More than 500 Health Researchers in Germany is members receive our first launched on the GLOHRA website: GLOHRA members community newsletter. researchdirectory.globalhealth.de deliver a joint statement in support of the WHO.

Statement @globalhealth_de

The World Health Organization operates based on science: A plea to support the global health body during the COVID-19 pandemic

Some of its member states accuse the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Another thought-provoking specialized agency for health, of mismanaging the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The newly founded German Alliance for Global Health Research opposes that view. Instead, it strongly advocates for evidence-based decision making in general, and for Scan the code and session about the challenges of supporting the WHO as one of the most critical institutions tasked with protecting and promoting read the statement global health. using evidence to make health The world is in the midst of a global health emergency. The drastic measures taken by governments to contain the COVID-19 pandemic restrict freedom and fundamental human rights. They also lead to a range of unwanted adverse effects on health, and cause damage to the economy, nationally as well policy decisions during the as internationally. There is a temptation for national governments to blame such collateral damage on others.

While the response to health threats always has to be adapted to local conditions, the COVID-19 #COVID19 pandemic. pandemic requires strong and coordinated global action. The German Alliance for Global Health Research acknowledges that the WHO’s leadership and technical expertise is essential for supporting countries in implementing strategies to prevent and manage the further spread of the virus, reduce case fatality, and establish coherent public health responses. It emphasizes that the WHO’s guidance is based on the best available evidence.

No other organization has the mandate or ability to take on the important global coordinating role of the WHO. Only with the political and financial support of its member states can the WHO fulfill its role: to preserve and improve the health and well-being of people around the globe. With the International Health Regulations, the member states of the WHO have put in place a strong and legally binding instrument to contain and manage a pandemic. This instrument should be recognized and strengthened as the global community aims to control COVID-19.

Recent announcements by the US Government to withhold funding, and by other governments that question the integrity of the WHO are likely to have deleterious effects on WHO´s work in many areas of global health, predominantly in low and middle-income countries. In the current crisis, these countries need particular solidarity and support, including research cooperation, coordination support and evidence-based technical advice. These countries are now faced with severe consequences of drastic cuts to the WHO budget.

We call upon the German and all European governments to support the WHO to the best of their means while actively engaging in a critical constructive dialogue in order to ensure transparency, accountability, and possibly further reform. And we call upon the Global Health community to firmly stand by the WHO in this time of crisis.

German Alliance for Global Health Research (www.globalhealth.de)

Berlin, May 2020 10 2020 Milestones GLOHRA German Alliance for Global Health Research 2020 Milestones 11 People Members 700

Since our inception, GLOHRA 600 membership has expanded 593 rapidly to include nearly 600 500 members from more than 100

research institutions. 400 452

This community includes global 300 365 health researchers representing

specialties across the spectrum, 200 278 from anthropology to ophthal­mol­

ogy, microbiology and beyond. 100 92

January March June September December

Our membership is open Expert profiles of our members are added to to researchers who are the Global Health Research Directory, hosted by GLOHRA: researchdirectory.globalhealth.de • affiliated with public research institutions in This database is the first of its kind in Germany. Germany, and Searchable by name, institution and research • demonstrably active in specialty, we intend this as a resource for both research relevant for academics and non-academics to encourage global health. collaboration and exchange. We offer associate membership to individuals who only partially fulfill these criteria.

12 People GLOHRA German Alliance for Global Health Research People 13 Network Institutions of our Members Institutions of our Members

Institutions of our Associate Members

14 Network GLOHRA German Alliance for Global Health Research Network 15 Steering Committee 2020–2022 Co-Speakers Representatives of Social Sciences and Humanities

Prof. Dr. Walter Bruchhausen Dr. Meral Esen Prof. Dr. Eva Rehfuess Dr. Kerem Böge Prof. Dr. Johanna Hanefeld Maike Voss Universitätsklinikum Bonn Universität Tübingen Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Charité – Universitätsmedizin Robert Koch-Institut Stiftung für Wissenschaft und München Berlin Politik

Representatives of Biomedicine Representatives of Engineering and Other Sciences

Prof. Dr. Detlev Ganten Dr. Eva Kantelhardt Dr. Dr. Carsten Köhler Dr. Benjamin Leon Bodirsky Prof. Dr. Mizeck Chagunda Dr. Sonia Diaz Monsalve Prof. Dr. Julia Pongratz Charité – Universitätsmedizin Martin-Luther-Universität Universitätsklinikum Tübingen Potsdam Institut für Universität Hohenheim Albert-Ludwigs Universität Ludwig-Maximilians- Berlin Halle-Wittenberg Klimafolgen-forschung Freiburg Universität München

Representatives of Public Health Representatives of Early Career Researchers and the Host Institution of the Secretariat

Prof. Dr. Kayvan Bozorgmehr Dr. Ellen Kuhlmann Prof. Dr. Jürgen May Prof. Dr. Christian Drosten Dr. Jörg Heldmann PD Dr. Thi Minh Tam Ta Universität Bielefeld Medizinische Hochschule Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Charité – Universitätsmedizin Charité – Universitätsmedizin Charité – Universitätsmedizin Hannover Tropenmedizin Berlin Berlin Berlin

Balanced representation Steering Committee 13 3 research 5 born from biomedical sciences, Quick-Stats: institutions 9 under 40 years on another public health, social female continent sciences and humanities, 19 and other sciences members

16 Steering Committee GLOHRA German Alliance for Global Health Research 2020–2022 17 Research Projects Overview of Projects Selected in 2020 GLOHRA Project Funding GLOHRA especially intends to support projects that 1 global health • address transnational health • develop and implement • link scientific excellence with fellowship issues, determinants, and groundbreaking ideas, test the domains of capacity building, 1 solutions new models of cooperation science-based policy advice, cross-sector and create new links between teaching, implementation and/or project • contribute to the improvement disciplines and communities clinical practice 14 projects proposals of health and health equity submitted project4 proposals worldwide • are interdisciplinary and link • promote active, eye-level recommended for funding GLOHRA members from partnerships with national and (29% acceptance rate) different institutions and cities international partners, including the Global South 2 Reporting interdisciplinary pilot projects collect forward

Secretariat Central focus of accepted projects Gender of Project Team Leaders

General Assembly Project Steering (Members) Teams Committee Apply Recommends for for funding funding

Funding

Types of Projects Involving researchers from the following institutions

In 2020, GLOHRA supported the following types of research projects:

Interdisciplinary Cross-sector Global health pilot projects: projects: fellowships: seed funding, collaborative research, post-doc fellowship, 120,000 € for 240,000 € over 100,000 €/year, 12 months 24 months 12–24 months

18 Projects GLOHRA German Alliance for Global Health Research Overview of Projects 19 Diarrhea, fiber and colon cancer: Selected Projects at a Glance Environmental contributions to low colon cancer “This exciting project risk in sub-Saharan Africa IMPEDE-CVD: Human centered design to adapt and inform an integrated chronic enables us to challenge the disease management Project type: Global Health Fellowship way we think about prevention of non-communicable diseases Project type: Cross-sector Research Areas: Biomedical Sciences, Public Health associated with a Western lifestyle, “Through IMPEDE- such as colon cancer. It will also question Research Areas: Biomedical CVD, we will combine Applicants: Dr. Sören Ocvirk, Deutsches Institut für Sciences, Public Health, Ernährungsforschung Potsdam-Rehbrücke our perspective on how detrimental expertise to tackle the Engineering and Other Sciences environmental factors like poor hygiene growing­ burden of non- Planned Duration: May 2021—April 2023 and nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa Applicants: Prof. Dr. Felix communicable diseases by inte­ actually may provide a benefit in terms Knauf, Charité - Universitäts­ grating innovative mHealth In a nutshell: This study proposes a novel mechanism for medizin Berlin; Dr. Shannon colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention. The team will examine a of diseases prevalent in Western technologies in a rural McMahon-Rössle, Prof. Dr. population with low risk for colon cancer, individuals in sub- populations.” Dr. Till Bärnighausen, both Ugandan setting.” Saharan Africa, with special attention to the role of dietary fiber Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg;­ consumption and pathogenic intestinal bacteria. Insights could Sören Ocvirk IMPEDE-CVD team Dr. Julius Emmrich, Dr. Samuel Knauss, have implications for targeted prevention of CRC in high-risk groups. both mTOMADY gGmbh

Planned Duration: May 2021—April 2023 “This systematic In a nutshell: Research meets implementation in this digital health project in Uganda. The team aims review is a novel endeavor Vaccines and helminths: to assess the feasibility, acceptability, perception, that will help fill in a persistent The impact of helminth infections on and usefulness of a mobile phone-based program, knowledge gap. The outcomes of this vaccine outcomes in humans – IMPEDE-CVD, to detect and manage cardiovascular project have important implications for a systematic literature review disease in Uganda. This will ideally improve the detection and management of chronic diseases revisiting mass vaccination strategies to Project type: Interdisciplinary Pilot Project and reduce their financial burden in resource-poor improve efficacy of not only current but future communities. vaccines, especially against emerging diseases Research Areas: Biomedical Sciences, Public such as COVID-19. In the long term, this will Health help optimize resources and increase cost- Applicants: Prof. Dr. Clarissa Prazeres da Costa, effectiveness of such interventions Prof. Dr. Stefanie Klug, Technische Universität MeasureGender: Measuring gender-based discrimination to better understand in resource-poor settings.” München; Dr. Meral Esen, Eberhard Karls Universität maternal mortality Tübingen Vaccines and Helminths team Project type: Interdisciplinary Pilot Project Planned Duration: June 2021—November 2022

“The goal of this Research Areas: Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences and In a nutshell: Reflecting on the pivotal role of Humanities, Public Health vaccines in prevention and control of infectious project is to lay the diseases, this interdisciplinary project seeks to foundation for future analyses Applicants: PD. Dr. med. Wilm Quentin, Technische Univer­sität systematically review and analyze the of the relationship between Berlin and Prof. Dr. Manuela De Allegri, Universität Heidelberg impact of helminth infections on the gender discrimination and various immune response to and efficacy of Planned Duration: May 2021—April 2022 vaccines. Insights from this project aspects of maternal health, including will lead to the generation of maternal mortality, by developing In a nutshell: Drawing on sociological and medical knowledge-translation resources an instrument to measure perspectives, this project aims to develop a culturally adapted to inform clinical and public health gender discrimination.” tool for measur­ing gender-based discrimination. The team practice guidelines, set the basis hopes that the tool, Measure-Gender, developed via field for the design of new studies Wilm Quentin and Manuela research and interviews, can be used in future surveys to improve investigating new vaccination De Allegri our understanding of the relationship between gender-based strategies and eventually formulate discrimination and maternal health outcomes. scientific consensus statements.

20 Selected Projects at a Glance GLOHRA German Alliance for Global Health Research Selected Projects at a Glance 21 Events Scientific Events Scientific Events Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Global Multi Stakeholder Collabo­ration Health – What is Evidence and how is it used in Global Health Research – in Making Decisions about COVID-19? Science meets Implementation

Date: 26 October 2020 In this session, the speakers Mr. Forland described Norway’s Date: 26 October 2020 This conversation-style session Dr. Omaswa argued for funding addressed how decisions have approach involving intense delved thoughtfully into bridging national research institutions in Chairs: Chairs: been made during the evolving exchange between three major the gaps between research Africa, which are already in line Prof. Dr. Eva Rehfuess | Ludwig- Prof. Dr. Walter Bruchhausen | phases of the COVID-19 pan­ institutions and eloborated on and practice, decolonizing with national agendas and Ms. Maximilians-Universität München, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, demic, highlighting successful newly established methods for partnerships and positive Schmutte noted the evolving GLOHRA Steering Committee GLOHRA Steering Committee collaboration and challenges evaluating early-stage research. examples of multi-stakeholder stance of the Wellcome Trust Maike Voss | Stiftung Wissen­ of uncertainty. Our speaker Dr. Swaminathan reflected on Prof. Dr. Johanna Hanefeld | collaboration. There was an to ensure fuller integration of schaft und Politik, GLOHRA panel represented a range of the actions of the WHO and Robert Koch-Institut, GLOHRA acknowledgement of the gaps local partners. Participants were Steering Committee health institutes and exchanged em­phasized the importance of Steering Committee between research and practice finally asked to confront some their experiences of decision exchange among countries from but also positive examples of more existential questions: Is our Speakers: Speakers: making amidst the COVID-19 the six WHO regions, espe­cially international research colla­ research truly being designed Prof. Dr. Yvonne Doyle | Public Prof. Dr. Achim Hörauf | pandemic. They noted the in the early stages of the pan­ boration, in particular the bilateral for the people we seek to serve? Health England Universitätsklinikum Bonn, challenges of implementing demic. She also voiced concerns partnerships that exist between How do we best clarify the goals GLOHRA Member Frode Forland | Norwegian policy in absence of complete about the insidious nature of universities in Germany and of our research? And, to what Institute of Public Health evidence, the importance of beha­ the so-called “infodemic”. Final Prof. Dr. Francis Omaswa | various universities in Africa. degree are private and public vioral in addition to epidemio­ reflec­tions led some speakers African Center for Global Health A speaker-consensus emerged funders willing to give up control Dr. Fernando Simón | Ministry of logical insights, and the benefits to specu­late that the investment and Social Transformation that effective global health to local partners? These are Health Spain of shared experience and in primary health care may research and initiatives must ongoing matters that our funders Birgit Pickel | Federal Ministry Dr. Soumya Swaminathan | collabo­ration among both health help to explain better-than-ex­ fully integrate local partners, and scientific community will face for Economic Cooperation and World Health Organization scientists and policy makers. pected outcomes in some lower from goal setting to joint-funding as global research collaboration Development (WHO) income countries and noted, as commitments. and multi-stakeholder ever, the importance of function­ Caroline Schmutte | Wellcome participation develops. ing health systems. Trust

@globalhealth_de

22 Events GLOHRA German Alliance for Global Health Research Events 23 General Assembly Behind the Scenes at the Online Elections and Virtual Kick-off Meeting Secretariat on 20 April 2020 The German Alliance for Global Health Research is the result of years of work by countless contri­ butors. We were born out of a desire for meaningful networking among colleagues in the global Between 8 April and 17 April 2020, we invited On 20 April 2020, over 100 GLOHRA members health community. Below you’ll get a bit of insight into the story of how the Secretariat came to be all 280 eligible members of the General Assembly met virtually on Zoom for our kick-off meeting. After based at Charité – Univer­sitäts­medizin Berlin and a glimpse into how GLOHRA was transformed to cast their votes for the first Steering Committee. a brief introduction, Prof. Dr. Veronika von Messling from a dream to a reality. Altogether, we received 202 votes, amounting to a delivered strong words of support on behalf of 72% voter turnout. Voters were asked to elect two the BMBF. She highlighted the importance of our An Idea was Born Building a Community This means writing to hundreds female and two male representatives from each mission to strengthen the research community and of departments – from medical of our four research areas i.e., biomedical sciences, develop new avenues of collaboration. The meeting In February 2019, around From the beginning, we wanted schools to engineering faculties public health, social sciences and humanities, and provided an opportunity to introduce the aims, 50 global health researchers to send the clear message that – encouraging eligible members engineering and other sciences. A representative of structure and work program of GLOHRA. Funding from universities and research we aren’t “just another research from all research disciplines to Early Career Researchers was also elected. opportunities for members were also presented. institutes across Germany funder” but part of a bigger move­­­ join. We have been delighted to Even through the screens, the excitement for gathered in Berlin to discuss ment within the global health see the GLOHRA community this new community was palpable. The kick-off the role of universities in global community in Germany. We are grow and diversify as a result. event set the stage for ongoing exchange among health research and policy. thinking BIG – aiming for colla­ community members. Around the same time, BMBF boration in the field on a scale was preparing a call for proposals that currently does not exist. This First-Year Reflections to initiate and fund a networking means that we have tried, even platform for global health amidst the pandemic, to create a Looking back we are awed at the research. sense of community amongst our progress that we have made in Steering Committee Meetings researchers, who are scattered less than one year. Our devel­op­ The interdisciplinary group across Germany. ment is mainly thanks to the decided to seize the opportunity dedi­cation of our Steering Com­ 20 April 2020 7 May 2020 26 October 2020 and submit an application, which To this end, we set up the m­ittee and support from our they jointly prepared in several GLOHRA website and the Global extended community. Over time, • The newly elected members of • The Steering Committee agrees • Representatives of the five follow-up meetings and phone Health Research Direc­tory, the Steering Committee has de­ the Steering Committee take to hold quarterly meetings (in- projects that were most favor­ conferences. The application introduced a monthly news­letter veloped trust and under­standing office. person and virtual). The working ably evaluated in the preliminary was to be submitted by Charité for members, started and grew for one another’s ap­proaches, language for documentation and evaluation present and defend Universitätsmedizin Berlin, which a very active Twitter account and dedicated a lot of time and • The Steering Committee meetings is set to English. their research proposals. had been asked to host the and launched the campaigns effort to ensuring our exceptional discusses and adopts the draft The Steering Committee votes Secretariat in the German capital. #MeetOurMembers and development. Exchange across Statutes and Regulations on • Funding for coordination support to recommend three projects, In January 2020, the BMBF #OurImpact to make our mem­ disciplines is not always simple, Bodies and Committees with for the Academy is assigned conditionally recommend formally approved the proposal. bers and their expertise visible. but we have seen first-hand how minor modifications. to the co-speaker with special one, and not recommend the We have also been hard at the knowledge and outcomes responsibilities for early career remaining ones. The Secretariat took up work work to get the word out about generated are greater than the • The Steering Committee asks researcher support. A selection in February 2020. GLOHRA and invite members. sum of their parts. the Secretariat to draft a call procedure for the Repository • “GLOHRA” becomes the official for scientific workshop pro­ (subtask of the Academy) is short name of the German posals, which is later adopted designed, adopted, and applied Alliance for Global Health with minor modifications. over the summer. Research after a vote from the Steering Committee. • A discussion on the role of the • Draft guidelines for project fund­ speakers lays the basis for the ing are discussed and adopted­ • Steering Committee contem­ appointment of the speaker trio with some modifications. plates strategies for increasing over the following weeks. the interdisciplinarity of the • The Steering Committee research proposals. decides to hold two sessions at the World Health Summit and Dr. Jörg Heldmann Nora Anton, M.A./M.Sc. Maeve Cook-Deegan, M.Sc. confirms hosts and speakers. Managing Director Deputy Managing Director Scientific Coordinator.

24 Events GLOHRA German Alliance for Global Health Research Behind the Scenes 25 Looking Ahead

GLOHRA is part of a growing movement – in the scientific community, it is a testament to the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinarity. As part of Germany’s global health strategy, GLOHRA also makes an important contribution to new mechanisms of cooperation and avenues of thinking. Our fateful launch at the start of the pandemic has increased the awareness of our mission. We will build on the momentum from our first year to continue to transform global health research. Here’s a sneak-peak of just a few things that are on the agenda for the upcoming year. Excited? So are we.

Launch of the Global Health Academy GLOHRA-Supported Research Projects to Face Global Health Challenges The Global Health Academy is a GLOHRA initiative specifically committed to supporting early career GLOHRA-supported projects from the first funding researchers. The target audience is primarily PhD round begin in 2021. These projects range in their students and post-docs – individuals who have scope – from creating a tool for measuring gender demonstrated a clear interest in global health discrimination, to investigating a novel mechanism research, but who could use assistance in gaining for colorectal cancer, to innovative mHealth tech­ competencies and networking opportunities to nologies in Uganda and finally, a systematic review assist their career progression in global health. on the impact of helminth infections on vaccine efficacy – yet are united by their mission to improve The organizing team of the Academy is based at global health. We look forward to ongoing exchange Bonn University, where Prof. Dr. Walter Bruchhausen with the respective teams and will provide updates has been awarded special respon­sibil­ities for on their progress to the community. overseeing its development. Further, a team of GLOHRA members is currently developing a The Steering Committee reviews and decides on repository to assist early career researchers to future projects in two project evaluation meetings identify educational and other opportunities. in January and June 2020. As ties deepen among researchers across institutions and disciplines, we anticipate new partnerships and innovative ways of approaching global health challenges.

GLOHRA Engaged: Community Growth GLOHRA Day 2021 at the Perspectives on the World Health Summit Global Health Strategy In our first year we have been impressed by the enthusiasm for We hope, pandemic-permitting, The latest Global Health Strategy this initiative and the researchers to host our annual symposium has set out key objectives and from all disciplines that are in Berlin on 23 October, 2021. focus areas – from strengthening contributing to our growth. We This will be a day for members health systems to mitigating the will continue to carry on with our to get to know one another, health impacts of climate change. efforts to increase awareness share research results and ideas Photos This year we will engage our about GLOHRA and our mission. and find new collaboration cover image: Steffen Kugler / World Health GLOHRA community members, We will expand our communi­ opportunities. We will also host Summit, editing by Helmut Kraus p.2 (Prof. Drosten): Wiebke Peitz / tapping into their expertise cation activities and expand a session at the World Health Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin to shed light on how research networking opportunities. Not Summit, bringing in cross-sector p.9: Till Junker / Universität Greifswald perspectives can bolster the only to reach more researchers perspectives from the WHO p.13: Leibniz Universität Hannover strategy. In true GLOHRA style, from additional research insti­ to academia to discuss research p.20: Helmut Kraus p.23: Steffen Kugler / World Health Summit we will ensure diverse disciplines tutions and disciplines, but also and training in tropical diseases. and viewpoints are represented. to deepen existing ties within Printed by the community. K+L DruckenPlus GmbH, Berlin

26 Looking Ahead GLOHRA German Alliance for Global Health Research Executive Summary 27 Layout/Design: Helmut Kraus Layout/Design: Published in July 2021 German Alliance for Secretariat c/o Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Global Health Research Dr. Jörg Heldmann, Nora Anton, Maeve Cook-Deegan www.globalhealth.de Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany e: [email protected] t: +49 30 450 572 1100 f: +49 30 450 7572 118

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