Cambridge University Global Health Student Initiative - Seminar Series

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CUGHSI ’S MISSION

To promote awareness of global health issues so that dialogue amongst the academic and research communities fosters multi-disciplinary action within the University of Cambridge to address emergent health concerns throughout the world.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Cambridge University Global Health Student Initiative (CUGHSI) was developed to promote awareness of global health issues to the members of the University of Cambridge in a multi-disciplinary fashion and engage members in efforts to become involved with research pertaining to these issues within the institution.

Despite high levels of cross-campus research and policy action for global health and development at the University of Cambridge, institutional support for integrating these efforts has been not been forthcoming. This society aims to fill this void and serve as a foundation for a more strategic, long-term centre to be established at this institution.

In light of recent growth of funding for and interest in global health, CUGHSI propose specific strategies to build capacity by providing a forum for scholarly dialogue and exchange; promoting research and policy collaboration across faculties and with global development institutions, including the World Health Organization; supporting curriculum development at appropriate faculties within the University of Cambridge; raising of the profile of existing global health activities by students and faculty; and procuring external financial support for these efforts.

CUGHSI also aims to ensure the University of Cambridge’s position as a leading institution is maintained within this growing discipline. A range of global health initiative models already exist at other leading institutions throughout the world, including Harvard, Oxford, the London School of Hygiene & Medicine, and Yale. Moreover, through the Gates-Cambridge Trusts, the University of Cambridge possesses a unique relationship with the Gates Foundation. The connection with this foundation, which has been a leader in funding and promoting awareness of global health issues, notably those affecting the developing world, makes Cambridge an even more appropriate venue at which dialogue and research regarding global health efforts should be fostered, supported, and developed into a more cohesive and recognisable force.

Through regular term meetings, an annual research symposium, and other activities developed to promote global health awareness, CUGHSI will allow for members to engage in discussions regarding global health issues, present research in this area, meet with faculty and students who are dedicated to addressing this issues, and serve as a foundation for the development of a global health initiative centre which is necessary for the University as a whole.

NB: CUGHSI considers the terminology ‘global health’ broad in scope, and not limited to only addressing communicable disease burdens within the developing world.