Summary
The epidemiological and demographic transitions currently under way in low and middle income countries differ from the pattern that industrialized countries faced about a century ago: by and large controlling infectious diseases before the rise of non communicable diseases (NCDs). Rather in most developing countries the latter rise with unprecedented speed, while the former are still taking a heavy toll. Populations in poor countries therefore face a simultaneous burden of both diseases, yet their health systems are inadequately prepared to face the challenge. This is compounded by a general lack of scientific evidence to guide health systems. The proposed IRTG sets out to train young scientists that contributeto the following research areas: A) Development of epidemiological tools to capture the dynamics of shifting disease patterns. B) Optimal allocation of resources among the long list of possible interventions of both components of the double burden. C) Prevention and early detection for both NCDs and IDs, D) Technological innovations to assist health systems in using information for improving system performance. E) Social innovations: designing evidence-based policies and procedures for improving health care by actively including communities and household
A group of 15 researchers from the University of Heidelberg and its excellent research environment collaborate with two Swedish Universities, the Karolinska Institute, Division of Global Health and the Umeå University, Centre for Global Health Research. The choice of collaborating partners is based on (i) excellence in complementary methods or topics; (ii) a long track record of common research and teaching activities of many PIs in the respective universities and (iii) the fact that both these institutions are already collaborating with the University of Heidelberg in a PhD program on global health. The IRTG will have a strong partnership with the INDEPTH network consisting of 31 research sites in developing countries, integrating excellent local scientist‘s in the field supervision of the IRTG students.
Our qualification concept puts carefully dosed courses on research methods, data analysis and academic skill development in the service of the students‘ research projects. Students will move through work phases at the German/Swedish partner PIs team and the field site, carefully guided by a IRTG wide tutoring and mentoring process.
Based on the best practice of all three partners, the PhD programs will become increasingly similar and we aim to offer a jointly awarded PhD degree at the end of the IRTG funding.
A group of 15 researchers from the University of Heidelberg and its excellent research environment collaborate with two Swedish Universities, the Karolinska Institute, Division of Global Health and the Umeå University, Centre for Global Health Research. The choice of collaborating partners is based on (i) excellence in complementary methods or topics; (ii) a long track record of common research and teaching activities of many PIs in the respective universities and (iii) the fact that both these institutions are already collaborating with the University of Heidelberg in a PhD program on global health. The IRTG will have a strong partnership with the INDEPTH network consisting of 31 research sites in developing countries, integrating excellent local scientist‘s in the field supervision of the IRTG students.
Our qualification concept puts carefully dosed courses on research methods, data analysis and academic skill development in the service of the students‘ research projects. Students will move through work phases at the German/Swedish partner PIs team and the field site, carefully guided by a IRTG wide tutoring and mentoring process.
Based on the best practice of all three partners, the PhD programs will become increasingly similar and we aim to offer a jointly awarded PhD degree at the end of the IRTG funding.