Yale launches new Institute for Global Health

On Dec. 8, the Yale Corporation approved the launch of the Yale Institute for Global Health (YIGH), a university-wide initiative designed to combat complex global health problems through innovative scholarship, education, and service. A joint effort of the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health, YIGH serves as the focal point for research, collaboration, and engagement of global partners to improve the health of individuals and populations worldwide.

“Global health is a defining issue of our era, requiring an interdisciplinary response from all corners of Yale,” said Sten Vermund, dean of the Yale School of Public Health. “Through innovation and collaboration, we will use YIGH as a vehicle to speed the translation of new scientific discoveries into better health for all.”

Yale faculty are conducting groundbreaking research in infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria, as well as emerging diseases like Zika; leading programs that build health systems and research capacity; and spearheading research and developing programs to address maternal child health and the increasing risk of non-communicable diseases such as obesity and hypertension. YIGH will build on this considerable foundation of research already underway and accelerate the translation of new research and scientific discoveries to support sustainable health and education programs and policy, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Specifically, YIGH will support Yale faculty efforts to nurture collaborations among local, national, and international partners; translate clinical and public health discoveries into sustainable and affordable programs and policies; support global health educational programs at Yale and around the world; and compete for funding for research and education programs focused on global health.

A key function of YIGH will be the expansion of research and programmatic centers of excellence with international partners that have the potential to aid larger populations.

“In combining our resources, we build on our strengths and enable our faculty and partners to work on more scalable and impactful projects through a coordinated effort,” said Ann Kurth, dean of the Yale School of Nursing. YIGH will have a particular emphasis on supporting early-career faculty, who are the future leaders in global health research, practice, and advocacy.

As a central resource for students interested in taking part in global health educational programs at the university, in its second phase YIGH will create strong linkages to the Global Health Scholars program in Yale College, and will work to integrate and enhance global health curricula in the health science schools.

“With strong programs in place, YIGH will improve our education programs by providing enhanced research and scholarship opportunities for our students and international partners around the globe,” said Robert Rohrbaugh, director of the Office of International Medical Student Education at the Yale School of Medicine. YIGH will serve as a resource for faculty and students seeking to integrate research and practice, ensuring that those efforts are translated into measurable global impact.

Read more about YIGH on YaleNews.