EDCTP Association at ESSENCE Annual Members Meeting

Members of ESSENCE on Health Research convened for their Annual Members Meeting on 7–8 May 2026, organised by TDR and hosted by Global Health EDCTP3. Held under the theme “Aligning funding, evidence and country priorities in a shifting global health research landscape,” the meeting brought together research funders to explore more coordinated approaches to global health.

Discussions highlighted the need to better align funding strategies, research priorities, and implementation efforts to respond effectively to emerging global health challenges while supporting country-led agendas.

This was the first meeting of the EDCTP Association acting as the GloPID-R Secretariat, represented by Daniela Pereira, Communications Officer, and Prof. Alice Norton, University of Oxford, GloPID-R Scientific Director. They engaged with ESSENCE funder members to strengthen collaboration across the global health research ecosystem. During the meeting, Prof. Norton presented the latest progress from GloPID-R’s clinical trials working group, which is connecting global clinical trial networks and funders to improve coordination and readiness for epidemic and pandemic responses. She also shared perspectives on how research funders can better align their efforts within today’s evolving global health landscape.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, reinforce partnerships, and advance more coordinated, evidence-informed approaches to global health research.