The biennial EDCTP Forum is a cornerstone event for global health research and a flagship platform for Africa–Europe scientific cooperation. It brings together the community working to reduce the burden of poverty-related infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa through collaborative clinical research, capacity strengthening and partnerships that deliver positive change.
What the EDCTP Forum is
The EDCTP Forum convenes researchers, policymakers, funders, and partners to accelerate progress in addressing poverty-related infectious diseases and to strengthen health research capacity across sub-Saharan Africa and Europe.
It provides an international space to:
- share scientific results and new developments, including those from Global Health EDCTP3-supported work and others;
- build trust-based partnerships and long-term collaboration;
- connect clinical research with policy, implementation and innovation.
It is co-organised by Global Health EDCTP3 and the EDCTP Association, representing European and sub-Saharan African countries.
Who the EDCTP Forum brings together
The Forum convenes a broad community of stakeholders with strong participation from Africa and Europe:
- researchers and universities,
- clinicians,
- governments and regulators,
- international and regional institutions,
- civil society organisations,
- public and private R&D partners.
EDCTP Prizes
The EDCTP Prizes are awarded every two years during the EDCTP Forum. They recognise outstanding individuals and research teams from Africa and Europe who have made significant achievements in their research field.
The award also recognises the candidates who made major contributions to strengthening clinical research capacity in Africa and supporting South-South and North-South networking.
Abstract competition
The EDCTP Forum programme is shaped by the outcomes of a scientific abstract competition. Both oral and poster abstracts are accepted.
Financial support is available for a limited number of early and mid-career investigators with high-ranking abstracts.
Upcoming edition
EDCTP Forum 2027, 13th edition — Madrid, Spain
Dates: 5-9 April 2027
More information will be available soon.
Past editions
2025: Twelfth EDCTP Forum — Kigali, Rwanda
Theme: ‘Better health through global research partnerships’
Dates: 15–20 June 2025
2023: Eleventh EDCTP Forum — Paris, France
Theme: ‘Partnering for Global Health Research Innovation and Impact in Africa – Celebrating EDCTP: two decades and beyond’
Dates: 7–10 November 2023
2021: Tenth EDCTP Forum — Virtual (hosted from Maputo, Mozambique)
Theme: ‘Equity in research for health’
Dates: 17–21 October 2021
2018: Ninth EDCTP Forum — Lisbon, Portugal
Theme: ‘Clinical research and sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa: the impact of North-South partnerships’
Dates: 17–21 September 2018
2016: Eighth EDCTP Forum — Lusaka, Zambia
Theme: ‘Defeating poverty-related and neglected diseases in Africa: harnessing research for evidence-informed policies’
Dates: 6-9 November 2016
2014: Seventh EDCTP Forum – Berlin, Germany
Theme: ‘The partnership journey: New horizon for better health’
Dates: 30 June – 3 July 2014
2011: Sixth EDCTP Forum – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Theme: ‘Strengthening Research Partnerships for Better Health
and Sustainable Development’
Dates: 9-12 October 2011
2009: Fifth EDCTP Forum — Arusha, Tanzania
Theme: ‘Fighting HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria: One World, One Partnership’
Dates: 12-14 October 2009
2007: Fourth EDCTP Forum — Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Theme: Building bridges for better health
Dates: 22-24 October 2007
2006: Third EDCTP Forum — Stockholm, Sweden
Theme: ‘Partnership and African leadership: Challenges and opportunities’
Dates: 9–11 October 2006
2005: Second EDCTP Forum — Durban, South Africa
Theme: ‘HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria in Africa: From knowledge to implementation’
Dates: 3-5 October 2005
2004: First EDCTP Forum — Rome, Italy
Dates: 27-29 September 2004