ESSENCE on Health Research Initiative becomes GloPID-R Observer
GloPID-R recently welcomed a new observer organization, ESSENCE on Health Research Initiative (WHO/TDR). Bolstering both networks, GloPID-R has also joined ESSENCE as an observer.
ESSENCE is an initiative that allows donors/funders to identify synergies, establish coherence and increase the value of resources and action for health research.
“As we all know, coordinating the work of funders is not new and it’s not easy,” said Dr Garry Aslanyan, Head of the ESSENCE on Health Research Secretariat, WHO/TDR. He stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic, however, has made the critical importance of coordination very clear. “Some of our members are more motivated because they have seen what happens when there is inertia, and a lack of coordination among all the players.”
Dr Aslanyan is enthusiastic about the new, stronger ties with GloPID-R. “Having more concrete links between our two networks will help create more opportunities and open up new possibilities to co-fund projects. The more we can improve the ways in which we interact and engage with countries, agencies and partner organizations, the better the outcome,” he said, adding that by working together it is possible to get more out of limited resources.
To avoid fragmented funding in an ever more complex research landscape, ESSENCE is an initiative that allows funders to increase the value of resources and action for health research. It promotes strategic cooperation particularly among bilateral development agencies and funding organizations. Many members of the GloPID-R network are already familiar with ESSENCE, created in 2008, because they have participated in projects together.
As someone who firmly believes in translating ideas into action, Dr Aslanyan hosts a podcast called Global Health Matters, which explores how innovative and inspiring research contributes to achieving health for all. The podcast takes a particular interest in the perspective of LMICs in global health research. The September 21, 2021 episode focused on reimagining research leadership.
