When it comes to global health, progress depends on exchange and collaboration across disciplines and borders. Both are hallmarks of the GLOHRA network, which will enter its second funding phase in February 2025 thanks to the continued support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
Read the announcement from the BMBF and enjoy the interview [in German] with GLOHRA Steering Committee co-speakers Prof. Dr. Dr. Kerem Böge, Prof. Dr. Manuela De Allegri & PD Dr. Meral Esen.
Strengthening Global Health Research in Germany
From developing new therapeutics and tackling the rise of antibiotic resistance to improving health systems and addressing climate adaptation—these are just a few of the many pressing issues in global health. Addressing such challenges, especially in times of acute crises like pandemics, requires a collective effort that transcends disciplines, institutions, and national boundaries. To foster a strong and diverse research community in Germany, the BMBF has been supporting the German Alliance for Global Health Research (GLOHRA) since 2020. Based at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the GLOHRA Secretariat coordinates governance activities, organizes networking events, and facilitates dialogue among researchers to strengthen the platform’s visibility and impact.
Renewed Funding for Collaborative Research
As GLOHRA embarks on its second five-year funding phase in February 2025, the network can look back on a strong track record. Over the past five years, GLOHRA has grown to include more than 1,200 members from a wide range of disciplines – spanning biomedicine, public health, social sciences, humanities, engineering and other sciences –working at over 200 universities and research institutions across Germany.
With BMBF support, more than 25 international research projects have been launched, and around 8,500 researchers from Germany and beyond have engaged in scientific events. Training and capacity-building are also central to GLOHRA’s mission, with programs such as the Global Health Academy at Bonn University Hospital, dedicated training initiatives, and the monthly GLOHRA Academy Series providing valuable opportunities for early-career researchers. These programs will be further expanded and developed through 2030. To ensure broad accessibility, many of these activities are held online, allowing for greater international participation and fostering even closer connections across the global health research community.
BMBF's Announcement of the Second Funding Phase Interview with GLOHRA Co-Speakers