Global Health Research Outlook 2025
As we look ahead to the coming year, global health research stands at a critical juncture. Lessons learned from recent health crises, technological advances, and evolving disease patterns shape our priorities and strategies for addressing the world's most pressing health challenges.
The Global Science Collaboration initiative has identified key focus areas, emerging opportunities, and strategic partnerships that will drive progress in global health research over the next 12 months.
Strategic Priorities for 2025
Advancing Systems Medicine
Building on foundational work in multi-omics integration, 2025 will see accelerated development of systems-based approaches to understanding disease mechanisms and developing personalized interventions.
Key Initiatives
- → Multi-Omics Integration Platform: Launch of pan-European platform for integrating genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and clinical data across major disease areas
- → AI-Driven Disease Modeling: Development of machine learning models for predicting disease progression and treatment response based on multi-dimensional patient data
- → Biomarker Validation Networks: Coordinated clinical validation of novel biomarkers for patient stratification and precision medicine applications
Pandemic Preparedness and Response
Strengthening global capacity to detect, respond to, and prevent infectious disease threats remains a top priority, with focus on sustainable infrastructure and equitable access to countermeasures.
Surveillance & Detection
- • Enhanced genomic surveillance networks
- • Real-time data sharing platforms
- • Early warning systems
- • One Health integration
Medical Countermeasures
- • Platform vaccine technologies
- • Broad-spectrum antivirals
- • Rapid diagnostic development
- • Equitable access mechanisms
Healthy Aging Research
With aging populations driving unprecedented healthcare demands, 2025 initiatives focus on understanding biological aging processes and developing interventions to extend healthy lifespan.
Biological Aging Mechanisms
Multi-country cohort studies examining cellular senescence, epigenetic aging, and molecular hallmarks of aging to identify intervention targets
Age-Related Disease Prevention
Clinical trials of interventions targeting Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, and frailty, with emphasis on prevention rather than late-stage treatment
Technology-Enabled Aging
Development and validation of digital health technologies, remote monitoring systems, and AI-assisted care models to support independent living
Health Equity and Access
Addressing persistent health disparities requires dedicated research on implementation strategies, social determinants, and equitable access to innovations.
2025 Focus Areas
Implementation Science
- • Adaptation of interventions for diverse settings
- • Community-engaged research partnerships
- • Health system strengthening studies
Access Innovation
- • Novel financing and delivery models
- • Technology transfer and capacity building
- • Policy research and advocacy
Climate Change and Health
Growing recognition of climate-health linkages drives expanded research on environmental impacts, adaptation strategies, and planetary health approaches.
Major Funding Initiatives
New and Expanded Funding Opportunities in 2025
Horizon Europe Health Cluster Calls
Expanded funding for collaborative health research across EU and associated countries
Global Fund for Pandemic Preparedness
International initiative supporting surveillance, R&D, and rapid response capacity
Wellcome Discovery Awards 2025
Flexible funding for innovative health research tackling major challenges
Key Events and Milestones
Launch of European Systems Medicine Platform
Official launch of collaborative infrastructure for multi-omics data integration and analysis, with initial focus on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases
Barcelona, Spain • March 2025Global Health Security Summit
International gathering of researchers, policymakers, and public health leaders to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response frameworks
Geneva, Switzerland • May 2025International Aging Research Conference
Major conference presenting latest findings in biological aging, age-related diseases, and interventions to extend healthy lifespan
Copenhagen, Denmark • September 2025Global Science Collaboration Annual Meeting
Year-end convening to review progress, share results, and plan strategic directions for 2026 and beyond
Brussels, Belgium • November 2025Get Involved
Funding Opportunities
Explore funding calls and application support for 2025 initiatives
View FundingShape the Future of Global Health Research
2025 offers unprecedented opportunities to advance global health through collaborative research, innovative approaches, and strategic partnerships