Health is Global Research Symposium

Health is Global is taking over McEwan Hall on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 October, a two-day research symposium that's part of the University of Edinburgh's 300th anniversary of Medicine, which they date back to 1726. The whole thing is open to everyone — health practitioners, researchers, students, and policymakers alike — so you don't need to be in the field to follow it.

The framing is what sets it apart: they're treating health as 'a global commons, a global currency, a global asset' rather than just something that happens in hospitals or clinics. It brings together researchers, policymakers, and partners from around the world, and the sessions cover a wide spread: global mental health, One Health, climate change, infectious diseases, and the role of primary care, with a particular spotlight on the university's international research partnerships.

Over the two days, the programme runs through keynote addresses, a session on global mental health partnerships, a plenary keynote, a panel of partner leaders, parallel sessions, a student showcase, and a fireside conversation. Among the speakers are Mel Young, founder of the Homeless World Cup; Rachel McKendry from Wellcome; and the Hon. Minister of Health of The Gambia, Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh.

One of the highlights is the Edinburgh Prize for Global Health Impact, which recognises work with a lasting effect. This year it goes to the Ministry of Health, Gambia and the MRC Gambia for a 1991 Lancet publication on insecticide-treated bed nets; a long-running evaluation of that work showed the nets could substantially reduce malaria morbidity and childhood mortality. It's a good example of the kind of long-term, real-world impact the symposium is looking at.

It runs across two days at McEwan Hall, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG: Wednesday 21 October from 08:45 to 18:30, and Thursday 22 October from 09:00 to 16:15. Entry is free.