3 world-leading universities tackling the greatest health challenges of the 21st century

Researchers and policymakers play a crucial role in improving the health and well-being of individuals and societies worldwide. Their work revolves around bridging the gaps between scientific discoveries and actionable policies, ultimately driving advancements in public health, healthcare delivery and disease prevention. 

Think back to the earliest stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. As rapidly as it spread, researchers mobilised to understand its transmission dynamics, develop diagnostic tools and explore potential treatments and vaccines. At the same time, policymakers used every research finding to implement containment measures and allocate resources. This could explain why according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the demand for medical scientists alone is projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032. 

Institutions across the globe are working tirelessly to fill the gap. Through innovative curricula, interdisciplinary collaboration, outposts in Asia and Africa, technology integration, and community engagement, they are ensuring graduates are both academically proficient and equipped with the practical skills and real-world experience required to fuel the advancement of global health. However, some are going further, preparing their students to shape the future of health, rather than just anticipate it — read on to explore three prime examples.

University of Oxford

Since its inception in 1937 at the world’s best university, the Nuffield Department of Medicine (NDM) has repeatedly pioneered breakthroughs that have transformed human health — from uncovering the significance of hypoxia in cancer science to developing the AstraZeneca vaccine at record-breaking speed. Today, the University of Oxford’s largest department continues that legacy of excellence, embracing innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in health and medicine. Through cutting-edge programmes, it invites individuals of all backgrounds to get involved.

For those interested in a distance-learning qualification that yields long-term impact, the Postgraduate Diploma in Global Health Research is an ideal choice. It is the first fully online award-bearing qualification from the University of Oxford, spanning four terms (14 months) and developed to equip students with practical skills for designing and implementing impactful research in resource-constrained settings.Through real-world case studies and collaborative problem-solving, students gain invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of global health research.

The brand new MSc in Health Service Improvement and Evaluation (HSIE) — an initiative by the NDM’s Health Systems Collaborative research unit – is the perfect choice for those looking to gain specialised skills. Tailored for early and mid-career health professionals, researchers, and policymakers, it combines theoretical knowledge with the practical skills needed for health service improvement, programme implementation, evaluation, and research. At the same time, students master research methods, leadership, project management, and effective communication — all of which are competencies crucial in driving meaningful change in health services and research.

Both MSc and Postgraduate Diploma are led by world-leading academics — as are the rest of the NDM’s doctoral and taught master’s programmes. The department is home to a range of advanced degrees that pave the way to fulfilling, research-oriented careers, such as the MSc in International Health & Tropical Medicine, MSc in Modelling for Global Health, MSc in Genomic Medicine, and DPhil in Clinical Medicine. Discover how NDM programmes can prepare you to contribute solutions to the health challenges of today and tomorrow.

ETH Zürich

ETH Zürich has been a cornerstone of Swiss innovation since 1855. Renowned for its commitment to freedom, entrepreneurial spirit, and academic excellence, it addresses the evolving needs of global healthcare through diverse expertise spanning various departments.

Here, medical excellence is all about interdisciplinary collaboration — bringing together experts from natural sciences, engineering, life sciences, and computer science. This emphasis on collaboration enables the integration of data science, digitisation, and novel technologies into medical research, paving the way for innovative solutions in prevention, diagnostics, therapy, and rehabilitation.

Approximately one-third of the university’s professors across nine departments are directly or indirectly involved in research, ranging from fundamental scientific exploration to the development of cutting-edge medical technologies and pharmaceuticals. What’s more, ETH Zürich’s close partnership with clinics and its dedication to clinical research facilitate the translation of research findings into practical applications.

Recognising the importance of nurturing future leaders in healthcare innovation, the university offers a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) ETH in digital Clinical Research (MAS ETH diCR). Designed for physicians and professionals from other fields, the programme trains students to realise the potential of the digital transformation of clinical trials and the generation of evidence. It explores new digital diagnostics and technologies in order to answer clinical research questions that employ patient-centric approaches and novel technologies.

Taking place part-time and spanning two to four years, the modular curriculum covers both the traditional scope of clinical research to include new, innovative, and digital approaches. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the potential of digital clinical research in the context of its regulatory, ethical and practical environment. Digital Clinical Trials and Digital Health are mandatory courses — students can pair these with one of five elective courses: Regulatory Thinking, Nutrition in Medicine, Applied Statistics, Technology and Public Policy, and Entrepreneurial Leadership in Technology Ventures.

Harvard University

Ranked among the world’s top five universities, Harvard University is home to Harvard Medical School (HMS) — a world-changing division committed to advancing human health through a three-pronged approach: education, research and clinical practice. From pioneering educational models to spearheading groundbreaking research, educators here have consistently pushed the boundaries of knowledge and practice in medicine — evident through numerous discoveries and “firsts,” dating back to 1799 when Professor Benjamin Waterhouse introduced the smallpox vaccine to the US.

The school’s emphasis on innovation has garnered international recognition, with 15 HMS researchers receiving Nobel prizes for their contributions to science and medicine. Currently, its main quadrangle in Boston is home to nearly 200 tenured and tenure-track faculty members, providing a vibrant academic environment where students receive foundational training during their first two years of medical school. Beyond the quad, HMS maintains affiliations with 15 prestigious hospitals and research institutes — partnerships that drive clinical care, training and research forward.

Several programmes unlock the benefits of such collaborations. HMS offers a range of master’s programmes designed to equip the next generation of healthcare leaders and each reflects the field’s evolving needs. For example, the MS in Media, Medicine, and Health combines art and science to drive health education through mass media. The MS in Clinical Service Operations focuses on training healthcare professionals in operations management; and the MS in Healthcare Quality and Safety emphasises evidence-based practices and innovative strategies to equip clinicians and clinical administrators with key operational skills.

*Some of the schools featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International