Europe and Africa set to align global health priorities at EDCTP Forum 2027

Global health is facing a complex and delicate moment. Despite major advances over the past two decades, including a 70% reduction in AIDS-related deaths and the rollout of the first malaria vaccines, progress is now under pressure. Emerging outbreaks like Ebola and Mpox, the growing impact of climate change on disease patterns, and the rise of antimicrobial resistance are colliding with a sharp decline in international health funding. Development Assistance for Health (DAH) fell by 21% between 2024 and 2025, reaching its lowest level in more than 15 years. The result is a global health landscape where scientific progress is advancing, but the resources to sustain and scale it are increasingly constrained.

These challenges are particularly acute in sub-Saharan Africa, which bears the highest burden of infectious disease, including malaria and HIV, alongside recurring outbreaks of Ebola, diarrhoeal diseases, and Mpox. 

In this context, collaboration between Europe and Africa is becoming central to global health efforts. One of the key platforms for defining strategic priorities, strengthening partnerships and sharing new knowledge is the biennial EDCTP Forum.

A cornerstone event in global health

The 13th edition of the EDCTP Forum will take place from 5-9 April 2027 in Madrid, Spain. It is expected to convene around 1,500 participants, including researchers, policymakers, funders, and other stakeholders, with the aim of strengthening collaborative responses to infectious disease challenges through research, innovation, and international cooperation.

Under the theme ‘Innovating together for resilient global health’, the Forum will serve as a five-day platform for scientific exchange and strategic dialogue. The programme will include plenary sessions, scientific symposia, workshops, a poster exhibition, field visits, networking spaces, and award ceremonies designed to connect research with real-world implementation.

Hosted by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) and the Fundación CSAI (FCSAI) and organised by Global Health EDCTP3 and the EDCTP Association, the Forum positions itself as a meeting point where science, policy, and funding intersect to accelerate impact.

'The EDCTP Forum is a unique platform where science, policy, and funding come together to turn shared visions and priorities into impactful action. We believe that the best health solutions require international collaboration. By convening diverse partners from Europe, Africa, and beyond, we are closing the gap between research, development and implementation ensuring that research directly contributes to building stronger and more resilient health systems.'

Michael Makanga, Executive Director, Global Health EDCTP3.

EDCTP Prizes 2027 to recognise excellence in infectious disease research

The EDCTP Prizes 2027 are a key feature of the Forum, recognising individuals and teams contributing to the fight against infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Beyond scientific excellence, the awards highlight efforts in building research capacity, fostering equitable partnerships, and supporting the next generation of scientists.

Applications for the EDCTP Prizes 2027 are currently open until 2 September 2026 in the following categories:

• Dr Pascoal Mocumbi Prize (€50,000): For an individual with outstanding achievements in health research and capacity development in Africa.
• Outstanding Research Team Prize (€50,000): For exceptional teams in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe.
• Outstanding Female Scientist Prize (€20,000): For female scientists who have made significant contributions and mentored the next generation.
• Four Scientific Leadership Prizes (€15,000 each): Awarded to two researchers from Europe/associated countries and two from sub-Saharan Africa.

'The EDCTP Forum 2027 reflects the strength of Europe-Africa collaboration in global health research. By bringing together scientists, policymakers, and funders, we generate innovation to control infectious diseases and build resilient health systems. The European Union is a proud member of the EDCTP partnership and will ensure that the research delivers relevant results for both Africa and Europe and drives scientific progress on key issues for global health.'

María Pilar Aguar Fernández, Chairperson of the Global Health EDCTP3 Governing Board.

An opportunity to share and present research

The EDCTP Forum official programme is shaped by the scientific community. Calls are now open for abstract submissions, as well as proposals for scientific symposia and workshops, offering researchers the opportunity to present their work through oral or poster presentations. The submission deadline is 2 September 2026.

'The EDCTP Forum 2027 aims to showcase the full breadth of scientific work taking place across Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, with global reach. This is a unique opportunity for the scientific community at all career stages to exchange ideas, present innovations, and contribute to shaping the future direction of research. I look forward to welcoming everyone to Madrid for what will be an important moment for global health research.'

Harleen Grewal, Professor of Microbiology and Global Health at the University of Bergen and Senior Consultant at Haukeland University Hospital, Norway and Chair of the EDCTP Forum 2027 Programme Committee.

Abstracts and scientific symposia submissions should align with three broad categories:

• Advancing biomedical innovations.
• Knowledge translation and implementation science for public health impact.
• Research capacity strengthening, equity, and ethics.

We welcome researchers, policymakers, funders, and the wider global health community to join us at the EDCTP Forum 2027 and take part in the exchange of knowledge and ideas that will help accelerate equitable progress against infectious diseases. Registrations for the EDCTP Forum 2027 will open in September 2026.

Published in Science|Business