Global Health
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How can we address evolving health challenges and accelerate innovation in healthcare? The German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) network is tackling these critical questions with its focus on Global Health in 2025.
Global health is one of the major challenges of our increasingly interconnected world. Pandemics, climate change, social inequality, and technological innovations continue to impact healthcare systems around the world. Besides the scientific and medical advances, social and political issues affecting healthcare continue to vex policymakers and require international collaboration.
International research cooperation is essential to tackling global health challenges. The German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) leverages its broad expertise and global network to foster collaboration between science, business, and civil society. Its goal is to develop sustainable solutions for global health issues, with a focus on:
- Equitable healthcare access
- Combating misinformation in healthcare
- Integrating digital health technologies
- Addressing health disparities
- Understanding climate change’s impact on disease emergence
Through these efforts, DWIH strengthens international partnerships to drive meaningful progress in global health.
Global Health Advances
The DWIH network bridges local expertise with global collaboration, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on the future of global health. Through diverse events and partnerships, it explores critical issues such as pandemic fatigue, the role of health in political discourse, and the importance of science communication in combating misinformation.
For more details on the network’s initiatives and its 2025 focus on Global Health, visit the DWIH website.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the city of New York experienced firsthand the challenges that our highly interconnected world poses for healthcare systems. The virus hit the metropolis with full force, quickly overwhelming the healthcare system, while high population density and social inequality facilitated the spread of the disease. In addition, structural deficiencies in the healthcare system became evident: many hospitals lacked protective suits, hospital beds, and ventilators.
The city has learned from its mistakes. Initiatives such as the ‘Take Care New York’ program aim to reduce health inequalities and improve healthcare for all residents. Numerous incubators and start-ups have established themselves in the metropolis, focusing on innovations in healthcare technology. The DWIH New York supports this field, among other initiatives, through the STEP USA University Program, which fosters start-ups and spin-offs from German universities. New York is home to world-renowned medical research institutions, such as Rockefeller University, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell Medicine, and NYU Langone Health. The city is also a major hub for the pharmaceutical industry.
Networking Science and Politics
Promoting the internationalization of medical education is one of New York’s key strengths as a healthcare hub. One example is Columbia University, which also collaborates closely with the DWIH New York. The hybrid International Collaboration and Exchange Program (ICEP) combines virtual peer-to-peer formats, lectures, and intercultural networking programs with in-person research and exchange opportunities. Each year, more than 420 students from 26 universities worldwide participate in the program.
One of the DWIH New York’s focal points is science diplomacy—specifically, the intersection of science and politics. This plays a crucial role in developing common global health standards. The proximity to the United Nations headquarters is a significant advantage. As part of its 2025 priority theme, the DWIH is organizing several conferences and networking events focused on the role of science diplomacy in global health.