Utrecht Global Health

Global Health at Utrecht Life Sciences brings together researchers, educators, clinicians and societal partners to improve health and reduce inequities worldwide. We address pressing global challenges such as maternal and child mortality, cardiovascular disease, infectious threats and unequal access to care. We work through in inter- and transdisciplinary research, innovative education and long-term equitable partnerships. 

Health
for everyone, everywhere!

In close collaboration with UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University’s Global Engagement infrastructure, and Utrecht Science Park partners, the Global Health platform connects strong existing expertise across Life Sciences into a visible, coherent and internationally positioned community.

Our mission

Together we improve human health and create the healthcare of tomorrow, equitably and globally. 

We facilitate, connect and strengthen Global Health efforts across Utrecht Life Sciences, UMC Utrecht and Utrecht Science Park partners by:

  • Embedding Global Health research within Life Sciences and UMC Utrecht research themes
  • Initiating and supporting transdisciplinary and international consortia
  • Integrating research, education, care and societal impact
  • Fostering equitable, long-term partnerships with institutions and communities worldwide. This means our partnerships are based on reciprocity, shared agenda setting and capacity strengthening
  • Promoting the translation of knowledge into policy, practice and public engagement 

Our approach

  • Research is consortium-driven, inter and transdisciplinary  
  • More inclusive, epistemically just and globally relevant science, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good health and wellbeing), 10 (Reduced inequalities), 13 (Climate action) and 17 (Partnership and science).  
  • We promote the translation of our knowledge into policy and practice

Research Innovations & Impact

Our work links to the following Life Sciences Innovations and impact themes.

  • Quality of Life
  • Pandemic Preparedness

Next Generation Experts

Global Health contributes to education across the full continuum of (future) health professions training at Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht. More than 650 students participate annually in Global Health-related education. Our education includes:

 Global Health research internships: visit the Konjoin platform to find out which.

Connected partners & research groups

We leverage the strengths and ongoing research activities of Utrecht Life Sciences researchers and educators on 9 disciplines.

Global Maternal and Child Health

Preventable maternal, newborn and child mortality and morbidity remain unacceptably high in many parts of the world. Inequities in access to quality, respectful and affordable care persist across and within countries, particularly for women, newborns, children and marginalized populations.

Global Maternal and Child Health at Utrecht Life Sciences brings together researchers, educators, clinicians and societal partners to generate evidence and innovations that improve pregnancy, birth and early-life outcomes. We work across the continuum from discovery and clinical research to implementation science, health systems strengthening and policy translation, with a strong emphasis on equitable partnerships and capacity strengthening.

By integrating research, education and care, we aim to reduce avoidable deaths, improve quality of care and ensure that every woman and child has the opportunity to survive and thrive. As such, our efforts aim to accelerate the achievement of SDG targets 3.1 and 3.2.

Key themes

  • Preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
  • Quality of maternal, newborn and child health care
  • First 1000 days, child growth and nutrition
  • Vaccines and infectious diseases in mothers and children (e.g. RSV)
  • Sexual and reproductive health
  • Health systems strengthening and implementation science
  • Equity, inclusion and participatory approaches
  • Capacity strengthening and education

Collaborating institutions and partners

  • UMC Utrecht and Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ)
  • Utrecht University
  • Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology
  • UMC Strategic Theme Mother & Child Health  
  • UU Strategic Theme Dynamics of Youth
  • In collaboration with international academic, clinical and societal partners in Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and beyond

Researchers involved

Global Circulatory Health 

Global Circulatory Health 

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and place a rapidly growing burden on health systems, patients and their care givers, including in low- and middle-income countries. Unequal access to prevention and care, and major differences in exposure to social and environmental risk factors drive persistent global inequities. Global Circulatory Health at Utrecht Life Sciences advances research, education and care on cost-efficient, scalable approaches for primary and secondary prevention, early detection and long-term management of cardiovascular disease across diverse global contexts. This includes a focus on cardiometabolic disease, congenital heart disease, genetic heart disease, heart failure, and regenerative medicine. We integrate epidemiology, clinical sciences, implementation science, data sciences, and population health to develop solutions that are feasible, affordable and sustainable. Through equitable regional, national and international partnerships, we strengthen capacity, generate policy-relevant evidence and translate research into improved cardiovascular health worldwide.

Key themes

  • Primary and secondary prevention early detection and long-term management of cardiovascular disease, including cardiometabolic disease, congenital heart disease, genetic heart disease, heart failure.
  • Health systems strengthening, including integrated chronic care for multiple long-term condition. 
  • Equity, diversity and inclusion in cardiovascular research and care.
  • Environmental and climate-change related determinants of circulatory health.
  • Digital health and real-world data.
  • Capacity strengthening and education.
     

Collaborating institutions and partners:

  • UMC Utrecht and Wilhemina Children Hospital (WKZ): Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Strategic Theme Circulatory Health.
  • Utrecht University: Institute of Risk Assessment (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences.
  • In collaboration with international academic and clinical partners in Europe, sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
     

Researchers involved:

For further information please see our  Global Health Website and Global Health Magazine.

Global Infection and Immunity 

Inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases, including infections and conditions driven by chronic inflammation, are major contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Antimicrobial resistance, HIV, viral hepatitis and vector-borne diseases disproportionately affect populations in resource-limited and fragile settings, while access to diagnostics and effective treatment remains highly unequal.

Global Inflammatory Diseases at Utrecht Life Sciences brings together virologists, immunologists, clinicians, epidemiologists and implementation scientists to study the causes, consequences and management of inflammatory diseases across diverse global contexts. We integrate molecular surveillance, diagnostics development, clinical and population-based research with implementation science and health systems strengthening.

Through equitable international partnerships and capacity strengthening, we aim to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases and reduce global inequities in immune-related health.

Key themes

  • HIV prevention, monitoring, cure and resistance
  • HIV epidemiology, co-morbidity and care
  • Antimicrobial resistance and One Health surveillance
  • Food Borne Diseases
  • Zoonoosis
  • Viral hepatitis (hepatitis B & C)
  • Respiratory Infections (i.e. COVID-19, RSV)
  • Neonatal sepsis and infection-related adverse pregnancy outcomes
  • Host–microbiome–immune interactions
  • Diagnostics development and molecular surveillance
  • Implementation science and health systems strengthening

Collaborating institutions and partners

  • UMC Utrecht and Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ)
  • UMC Utrecht Strategic Theme Inflammatory Diseases
  • In collaboration with international academic, clinical and societal partners in Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and beyond
  • World Organisation for Animal Health (WOHA(
  • WHO Collaborating Centre AMR

Researchers involved

Global Oncology

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with the fastest increases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Large inequities persist in prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship care, particularly for children and other vulnerable populations.

Global Oncology at Utrecht Life Sciences connects clinical, biomedical, population and implementation scientists with partners worldwide to develop affordable, high-quality and context-appropriate cancer care. In close collaboration with the Netherlands Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology (PMC) and the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital (AVL), we place a strong emphasis on global paediatric oncology, equitable partnerships, and the creation of sustainable infrastructures for research, education and capacity strengthening.

By integrating research with education, care and policy translation, we aim to ensure that advances in oncology benefit patients everywhere.

Key themes

  • Paediatric oncology
  • Cancer screening and early detection
  • Implementation science and health systems strengthening
  • Inclusive and equitable cancer care pathways
  • Cancer registries and data systems
  • Capacity strengthening and education
  • Translation of evidence into policy and practice

Collaborating institutions and partners

  • UMC Utrecht  
  • Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology (PMC), Máxima International
  • Netherlands Cancer Institute (AVL)
  • National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)
  • Utrecht University
  • In collaboration with international academic and clinical partners in Europe, sub-Saharan Africa and beyond

Researchers involved

Global Health Education Research & Innovation

High-quality, socially responsive education is essential for strengthening health systems and building a future workforce that can address complex global health challenges. Traditional educational models often insufficiently address issues such as equity, power dynamics, planetary health, and culturally responsive care.

Global Health Education Innovation & Research at Utrecht Life Sciences brings together educators, educational researchers, clinicians and global partners to design, study and implement innovative, inclusive and transformative educational approaches. We focus on capacity strengthening, equitable partnerships and research embedded in education, ensuring that teaching innovations are evidence-informed and socially accountable.

By integrating education, research and global health practice, we aim to train reflective professionals and leaders who can contribute to equitable and sustainable health systems worldwide.

Key themes

  • Transformative and challenge-based learning
  • Intercultural competence and cultural humility
  • Decolonising and inclusive education
  • Capacity building in global and planetary health
  • Research embedded in education
  • Blended, virtual and international education
  • Curriculum development and educational evaluation
  • Equitable partnerships in education

Collaborating institutions and partners

  • UMC Utrecht and Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ)
  • Utrecht University
  • UNESCO Chair Global Health Education
  • In collaboration with international academic, clinical and societal partners in Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and beyond

Researchers involved

Public Health in Humanitarian and Fragile Contexts  

Humanitarian crises, driven by conflict, displacement, climate change, political instability and epidemics, severely disrupt health systems and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations. In these settings, health risks are compounded by fragile governance, limited access to essential services, and profound social and economic inequalities.

Public Health in Humanitarian Crisis and in Humanitarian and Fragile Contexts at Utrecht Life Sciences focuses on understanding how health systems, institutions and communities can protect and promote health, equity and human dignity under extreme conditions. We bring together expertise from public health, medicine, governance, law, social sciences and digital innovation, and work closely with humanitarian organisations and affected communities.

Through interdisciplinary research, participatory approaches and capacity strengthening, we generate actionable knowledge to improve humanitarian health practice, inform policy, and contribute to more inclusive, accountable and resilient institutions in fragile and crisis-affected contexts.

Key themes

  • Health systems and service delivery in humanitarian settings
  • Epistemic justice, Health equity, human rights and inclusion
  • Sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health in crises
  • Infectious disease preparedness and outbreak response
  • Digital health and data for humanitarian action

Collaborating institutions and partners

  • UMC Utrecht
  • Utrecht University’s Strategic Theme of Institutions for Open Societies (IOS)
  • Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
  • KIT, formerly the Royal Tropical Institute

Researchers involved

Pharmaceutical Policy & Regulation

Pharmaceutical Policy & Regulation at Utrecht Life Sciences addresses the critical intersection of medicines policy, regulatory science, access to medicines and health technology assessment (HTA). Medicines are essential components of effective health systems, yet significant challenges remain in ensuring their timely, equitable and affordable availability for all populations.

Hosted within the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology at Utrecht University, the Utrecht Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation develops innovative methods forindependent policy research, evidence-based policy scenarios and conceptual advances in regulatory science, pricing and reimbursement, and HTA. Embedded within the Centre is the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, supporting WHO’s mission to improve access to essential medicines and health technologies globally. Through research, capacity building, policy analysis and international partnerships, the theme supports the design, implementation and evaluation of pharmaceutical policies that contribute to better patient outcomes and more resilient health systems.

Collaborating institutions and partners

  • Utrecht Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation (UU)
  • Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS)
  • World Health Organization (WHO) – through WHO Collaborating Centre designation
  • Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB / CBG)
  • Zorginstituut Nederland (National Health Care Institute, ZIN)
  • Regulatory Science Network Netherlands (RSNN)
  • Academic Research Network HTA
  • International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
  • Global partner institutions in collaborative research networks

Key themes

  • Medicines regulation and drug regulatory science
  • Access to essential medicines and affordability
  • Pricing policies and price transparency
  • Health technology assessment (HTA) and reimbursement policy
  • Pharmaceutical policy analysis and independent evidence generation
  • Capacity building in pharmaceutical policy and regulatory systems
  • Global and national pharmaceutical systems strengthening
  • Ethical and equitable use of medicines

Researchers involved

Equity & Justice in Global Health

Health inequities within and between countries are shaped by structural determinants such as poverty, discrimination, gender inequality, colonial legacies, migration, conflict and unequal power relations inglobal governance. Addressing these inequities requires not only technical solutions, but critical reflection on ethics, justice and accountability.

The Equity & Justice in Global Health theme at Utrecht Life Sciences advances inter- and transdisciplinary research and education on ethical, legal, historical and social dimensions of globalhealth. In close collaboration with the Department of Bioethics & Health Humanities and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Bioethics, this theme examines how principles of justice, solidarity and human rights can be translated into policy, clinical practice, education and global health partnerships.

By integrating normative analysis with empirical research and participatory approaches, we aim to promote fairer health systems, more equitable global collaborations and inclusive decision-making inresearch and policy.

Key themes

  • Global health ethics and human rights
  • Decolonising global health and epistemic justice
  • Power, governance and accountability in global health
  • Ethics of humanitarian action and crisis response
  • Inclusive and participatory research approaches
  • Ethics of education and global partnerships

Collaborating institutions and partners

  • UMC Utrecht (Department of Bioethics & Health Humanities and Global Health team)
  • Utrecht University
  • WHO Collaborating Centre for Bioethics (hosted at UMC Utrecht)
  • Action on Preeclampsia Ghana
  • International academic and civil society partners

Researchers involved

Planetary Health

Planetary health recognises that human healthand the health of our natural systems are deeply interconnected. Climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, pollution and unsustainable resource use increasingly compromise human wellbeing and contribute to inequities in disease burden across and within populations.

Planetary Health at Utrecht Life Sciences advances interdisciplinary research, educationand action that address the complex, interdependent challenges at the nexus of environment, society and health. In close collaboration with the ULS Planetary Health Community, we integrate expertise from lifesciences, social sciences, public health, climate science, ecology, governance and digital innovation to develop evidence-informed solutions that protect both people and the planet.

By fostering systems thinking, cross-sectoral partnerships and community engagement, we aim to translate research into policies and practices that promote sustainable, equitable and resilient health futures.

For details, please visit the Utrecht Life Sciences Planetary Health community.

Contact person: Dr. George Downward

In addition to the UMC Utrecht and UU community of staff and students, we are connected to national and international knowledge organizations, health institutes, governmental and civil society partners. We are a member of the Dutch Global Health Hub.

Any relevant public and/or private partner is invited to collaborate.

Initiators

supported by Anish Arun, student assistent. 

Join the Utrecht Life Sciences Global Health community to connect, share expertise and develop joint initiatives. Do you have any questions about Utrecht Global Health? Don't hesitate to contact us at J.C.Mattijsen-3@umcutrecht.nl.