Dear colleagues, 

On behalf of the EDCTP Forum Organising, Scientific Programme and Host Country committees, we are delighted to welcome you to the Eleventh EDCTP Forum taking place in Paris, France on 7-10 November 2023.  

We invite stakeholders working in global health research around the world to join us in Paris to present and discuss cutting-edge, impactful global health research. We promise an exciting and diverse scientific programme showcasing African-European research innovation and impact. As we celebrate the achievements and impact of 20 years of EDCTP, reflecting on lessons learned, we will discuss key scientific priorities under the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking (GH EDCTP3 JU) to ensure the success of the next 10 years. The Forum programme is designed to promote active participation, stimulate discussion and debate, and provide opportunities for networking, collaboration and socialising. The stunning city of Paris offers Forum participants an unforgettable cultural, culinary and sensory experience. For participants unable to travel to Paris, a subset of sessions selected by the programme committee will be accessible for virtual participation.

The Forum theme - Partnering for Global Health Research Innovation and Impact in Africa - is at the core of the EDCTP mission.

The Forum objectives reflect the need for global research partner cooperation to develop innovative approaches to tackle important health challenges, including preparedness and response to disease outbreaks, public health emergencies, and strengthening health systems disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The Forum presents a platform to take stock of the impact and achievements of current Europe-Africa research and capacity building partnerships. We will examine how their work is contributing to progress towards the sustainable development goals.  EDCTP is proud of its record in supporting the career development of African scientists, with more than 1100 postgraduate students and 215 fellows supported under EDCTP1 & 2, many of whom will attend the Forum and contribute to its programme. 

The Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking will be showcased at the Forum, with details of its ambitious Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda to develop and deploy new health technologies against infectious diseases in Africa.   

We gladly acknowledge the support of our partners and hosts for the Forum, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France and ANRS | Emerging Infectious Diseases. EDCTP and our French hosts look forward to meeting you in Paris or online.