Written by Kim Furlow, communications manager for the Institute for Public Health
The March 30-31 Global Health Conference promises a world of information and interactive discussion with national and international global health experts. “Global Health at Washington University: Here and Next” begins at 8:30 a.m. each day on the Danforth (March 30) and Medical Campus (March 31). Just a few of the compelling topics presented at the two-day event include: How digital innovations are transforming the global health landscape; insights on how environmental health is changing at an unprecedented pace; and, how WashU is working via transdisciplinary research to advance and prevent inequities in global health, both internationally and here in St. Louis.
“The Global Health Center is thrilled to convene the WashU community to interact and share the latest research findings and concepts to improve global health,” said Director, Victor G. Dávila-Román, MD, and co-Director, Mark Huffman, MD.
The goal of the 2023 Global Health Conference is to convene the university global health community, highlight its work and catalyze global health activities that support the university’s Here and Next strategic plan.
Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Initiatives, Mary McKay, PhD, MSW, notes that the ten-year strategic plan “elevates the importance of a global perspective informing our research and scholarship, as well as the education of our undergraduate, graduate, professional and medical students.”
We truly appreciate the design of this conference in that there are intentional connections made between global public health, environmental research, digital transformation and St. Louis-focused partnerships, key strategic priority areas of Here and Next.
Mary McKay, Vice Provost of Interdisciplinary Initiatives
Conference attendees can participate in interactive lunch sessions, panel discussions, and engage with those currently participating in university-wide global health collaborations. Early-stage investigators have the opportunity to present their work in oral and poster abstract formats. Presented by the Global Health Center at the Institute for Public Health and the Department of Medicine in collaboration with the Office of the Provost, Brown School Global Programs Office and McDonnell International Scholars Academy, all conference events and activities are presented in person with hybrid participation among some speakers.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the annual Global Health Conference in support of collaborative research. Convening conferences like this builds on the international network of Washington University in St. Louis and the McDonnell Academy,” said Laura Benoist, director of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy.
About the conference:
Among the various conference highlights is “Offering Hope”, a video presentation about the work of International Center for Child Health and Development Director and William E. Gordon Distinguished Professor, Fred Ssewamala, PhD.
Thursday, March 30 at Danforth Campus | Clark-Fox Forum, Hillman Hall | 8:30 a.m.
- Digital Transformations in Global Health Settings: Learn how digital tools and data science are transforming global health at WashU and around the world.
- Danforth-Medical Campuses Global Health Collaborations: Find out how successful cross-campus, transdisciplinary research and training partnerships are advancing global health at WashU.
Friday, March 31 at the Medical Campus | Eric P. Newman Education Center | 8:30 a.m.
- WashU-St. Louis-Global Community Partnerships: Recognize the importance of bi-directional flow of people and ideas to improve global public health, both at home and abroad. We in St. Louis have much to offer and much to learn.
- Environment and Global-Local Health: The world’s environment is changing at an unprecedented pace with direct and indirect effects on global and local health. Attendees will learn about new strategies and approaches developed and disseminated by WashU faculty to mitigate these risks.
Call for Abstracts
In an abstract poster session, students, trainees, and early-stage investigators will present their latest research and training experience, which seek to address the world’s most pressing challenges. The Global Health Center currently seeks abstract submissions for oral and poster abstract presentations. Based on methodological rigor, innovation, and impact, an expert panel reviews abstract submissions and presents awards to the top oral and poster abstracts. Learn more and submit an abstract by February 28!
All are welcome to attend all or a portion of the conference. Lunch is served both days and conference registration is free.
**Continue to monitor the Global Health Conference webpage for the conference agenda and featured speakers and panelists.
About Here and Next:
The university has developed its Here and Next strategic plan to chart the university’s next decade, and this conference will help attendees learn about how global health will play a key role in each of the Here and Next domains. Here and Next aims to mobilize research, education, and patient care to establish WashU and St. Louis as a global hub for transformative solutions to the deepest societal challenges.
About the Global Health Center at the Institute for Public Health and the Department of Medicine:
The mission of the Global Health Center is to improve global health through transdisciplinary programs and partnerships across Washington University in St. Louis and around the world. The center is a collaboration supported by the Institute for Public Health and the Department of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis.