Spotlight on: Liverpool Centre for Global Health Research

Posted on: 23 November 2023 by John Woodward in November 2023 posts

This edition of Spotlight focuses on the Liverpool Centre for Global Health Research (LCGHR) which is currently accepting applications for the 2024/25 intake of its renowned Liverpool Clinical PhD Programme.

For more than 25 years, the LCGHR has been a beacon of global health excellence. Initially funded by Wellcome, the centre collaborated with leading institutions to support impactful research in resource-poor settings.

Today, LCGHR is a collaboration between the University of Liverpool and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM). The centre works with a strong network of international partners to nurture future global health research leaders through its clinical PhD programme and provide vital operational support for research in Low- and Middle-income Countries (LMIC) worldwide.

Liverpool Clinical PhD Programme

Each year, four PhD candidates embark on research fellowships based at an LMIC partner of their choice, often at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome (MLW) Programme.

Designed for clinical researchers spanning diverse disciplines - doctors, midwives, nurses, public health professionals, allied health professionals, and veterinarians - the programme is a launchpad for aspiring clinical academics. Emphasising 'Health Priorities in the Global South,' the fellowships typically span three years, with a minimum of twelve months spent overseas.

At any one time, LCGHR may support up to 20 fellows at various stages in their 3-year fellowships.  Projects being undertaken by the centre’s 2023/2024 intake include a qualitative study in Kenya aimed at improving parents’ recognition of danger signs in neonates to enable prompt health care utilisation; and taking a One Health approach to evaluating the importance of Campylobacter as a zoonotic gastrointestinal pathogen in Malawi.

Applications for the 2024/2025 LCPP Programme are now open.

Facilitating Global Research

LCGHR is also a vital logistics hub for global health research. Offering procurement and shipping services, including regular ambient and perishable/hazardous and ad hoc shipments to MLW and other resource-limited settings worldwide.

With a skilled team based in both Liverpool and Malawi, the centre ensures efficient procurement and shipping for LSTM and University of Liverpool grant holders, meeting their research needs effectively.

Impact

To date, LCGHR has assisted over 50 fellows in achieving their doctorates, nurturing a legacy of impactful research in resource-poor settings. As applications open for the 2024/2025 Liverpool Clinical PhD Programme, the centre is focused on ‘Health Priorities in the Global South’ and remains committed to facilitating global health research for many more years to come.