UMC Utrecht
Advancing Global Health Collaboration Through the Global Health Hub
UMC Utrecht stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the realm of global health. With a rich history of research and education, the institution integrates academic excellence with practical applications to address global health challenges. Dr. Joyce Browne, Associate Professor in Global Health and Epidemiology at UMC Utrecht and Utrecht University’s Center for Global Challenges (UGlobe): “Global health is a collective effort. No single organisation can address every aspect, but together, we can create impactful solutions.”
UMC Utrecht’s involvement in the Global Health Hub is rooted in its commitment to fostering partnerships and driving collective action. Dr. Browne highlights the Hub’s role in uniting stakeholders across sectors: “The Hub provides an essential platform where knowledge institutions, NGOs, the private sector, and government bodies come together. In a time when the focus often shifts inward due to political or economic pressures, the Hub encourages us to keep our global perspective strong.”
Interconnected themes
At UMC Utrecht, global health research and capacity building focuses on interconnected themes such as healthy pregnancies all around the world, health equity, chronic diseases, planetary health and building equitable collaborations between high-income and low- to middle-income countries. “These themes reflect our core mission,” says Browne. “They address critical global challenges while ensuring that partnerships are equitable and meaningful.”
Communities of Practice
UMC Utrecht is particularly active in the Hub’s Communities of Practice (COPs). The institution co-leads initiatives on health system strengthening for SRHR and primary care (led by co-leads Dr. Regien Biesma and Dr. Martin Heine) and climate and health, areas that align with its strengths in planetary health and implementation science. Browne: “For climate and health, we focus on climate justice, ensuring that the necessary societal transitions are not only sustainable, but also equitable and inclusive. The Hub has helped us integrate a global perspective into climate change and sustainability projects, making them even more impactful.” One example of this integration is the Climate Research Initiative Netherlands (KIN)-funded project on climate justice in urban transitions. Initially this was a national initiative that gained a global dimension through the Hub. “The Hub enabled us to connect local projects with global insights, creating a two-way, reciprocal flow of knowledge,” Browne explains. “This not only strengthens the local impact but also enriches the global dialogue.”
Looking forward
Looking ahead, Browne envisions the Hub as a key driver of innovation and learning: “The first year of the Hub has been a learning experience, and that’s a good thing. We’ve experimented, reflected, and identified what works and what we can improve. Now it’s about building on that momentum and giving structure to the enthusiasm we’ve seen.” UMC Utrecht also aims to deepen its contributions by connecting students to real-world global health challenges through internships and research projects. “It’s a win-win,” says Browne. “Students gain invaluable and real-life experiences, and organizations benefit from fresh perspectives, insights, students’ enthusiasm as well as the expertise of academics who supervise them.” To conclude, Browne stresses the importance of involving partners from low- and middle-income countries more directly in the Hub’s activities. “This would enhance the diversity and depth of the Hub’s network, ensuring that our exchanges and initiatives are truly global in scope.”