The event will be co-hosted by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) under the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the Fundación CSAI (FCSAI) under the Ministry of Health, and is co-organised by Global Health EDCTP3 and the EDCTP Association.
Over the past two decades, the biennial European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) Forum has evolved to become a cornerstone event for global health research, bringing together leading voices advancing the fight against infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. It showcases the latest scientific breakthroughs, highlights impactful capacity-building efforts, and creates a space for vibrant cross-regional collaboration.
The EDCTP Forum offers a unique platform to deepen scientific cooperation between Europe and Africa and showcases Spain’s leadership in science and global health. By promoting innovation, strengthening research capacities, and sharing knowledge across borders within a multilateral framework, we can accelerate progress in global health and ensure that scientific advances benefit all communities worldwide, particularly those most in need. Spain stands ready to contribute with excellence and a spirit of collaboration to tackle the world’s most pressing health challenges.
Diana Morant Ripoll, Spanish Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities
The 13th EDCTP Forum, to be held in Madrid, underscores Spain’s steadfast commitment to advancing biomedical research and strengthening international cooperation in global health. This gathering also provides a valuable platform for dialogue and exchange, aimed at fostering international partnerships and advancing a more equitable and sustainable approach to health. These objectives are fully consistent with the mission of the Spanish Ministry of Health, which pursues them through multilateral engagement and technical health cooperation at the bilateral and regional levels.
Mónica García Gómez, Spanish Minister of Health
The EDCTP Forum 2027 expects to convene 1,500 participants and stakeholders, from researchers, universities and clinicians to governments, regional bodies, civil society, regulators, and public and private R&D partners, drawing participation primarily from Africa and Europe.
The opening ceremony of the EDCTP Forum 2027 will take place on 5 April and will be followed by four days of scientific programme from 6 to 9 April 2027. These will include plenary sessions, parallel sessions, prize-giving ceremonies, an exhibition of posters, scientific symposia, workshops, field visits, and countless opportunities for networking.
The EDCTP Forum 2027 will bring together leading researchers, clinicians, and policymakers from Africa and Europe to celebrate scientific excellence and foster meaningful collaboration in global health. The programme will offer opportunities to exchange knowledge, share innovations, and network, while highlighting how the EDCTP partnership has driven research addressing key global health challenges for over twenty years. I look forward to seeing the global health community reunited in Madrid for what promises to be the largest EDCTP Forum yet.
Harleen Grewal, Professor of Microbiology and Global Health, Senior Consultant at the University of Bergen and Haukeland University Hospital, Norway and Chair of Global Health EDCTP3 Scientific Committee and the EDCTP Forum 2027 Programme Committee
To reflect a balanced and collaborative partnership, the Forum is held alternately in Africa and Europe. Following the highly successful Twelfth EDCTP Forum hosted in Kigali, Rwanda in 2025, the EDCTP Forum 2027 will take place in Madrid, Spain.
More information on the event programme, registration, scientific abstracts competition, EDCTP Prizes competition and sponsorship opportunities will be made available on the EDCTP Forum website to be launched soon.
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Details
- Publication date
- 2 March 2026
- Author
- Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking