Scientific Committee welcomes new leadership and expertise

The Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the work of Global Health EDCTP3. Composed of independent experts, including mandatory representation from Africa, the Committee advises on research priorities, the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda, and the alignment and impact of funded projects. It also supports stakeholder collaboration and contributes to key events and working groups. 

Welcoming the new Chairperson 

Professor Harleen Grewal has assumed the role of Chairperson of the Scientific Committee. Prof. Grewal is a Professor (Microbiology and Global Health) and Senior Consultant at the University of Bergen and Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.  

She has a broad background in the molecular pathogenesis of respiratory and diarrheal pathogens, genetic regulation of bacterial virulence, and vaccine development. Over the past two decades, Prof. Grewal has led or co-led clinical trials and longitudinal cohorts on tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance, and micronutrient supplementation across South Asia and Africa, building local laboratory capacity and mentoring several early-career investigators. 

Her recent studies have focused on the development of point-of-care diagnostics and the identification of surrogate markers for disease progression and protective immunity in tuberculosis and other respiratory infections. These experiences inform the current translational focus, linking bench science, patient data, and digital innovation to address gaps in respiratory health diagnostics and management. 

New members strengthen global reach and expertise 

In addition to the appointment of the new Chairperson, the Scientific Committee has welcomed several new members in recent months: 

• Dr Jutta Reinhard-Rupp, H3D Foundation, Switzerland
• Dr Anthony Man, Independent Consultant to Pharmaceutical Industry
• Dr Thomas Egwang, Med BIOTECH LABORATORIES, Uganda
• Prof. Harleen Grewal, University of Bergen, Norway
• Dr Enrica Alteri, Independent advisor in pharmaceutical medicine
• Dr Alfred Tiono, Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé (GRAS), Burkina Faso
• Dr Muhammed Afolabi, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
• Dr Teshome Gebre, The Task Force for Global Health, Ethiopia
• Dr Clara Bermudez, University of Granada, Spain
• Prof. Ali Judd, University College London (UCL), Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, United Kingdom
• Prof. Umar Ibrahim, Federal University Dutse, Nigeria
• Dr Doris Burtscher, Médecins Sans Frontières, Austria.