28 August 2025

Researchers from across the world are coming together to help develop practical solutions to some of the world’s most complex health and wellbeing challenges.

Universitas 21 (U21) is bringing together over 60 inspiring early career researchers from across the globe for its annual Early Career Researcher Workshop, hosted this year by the University of Nottingham.

Themed ‘Living Well Across the Life Course’, the workshop which will run from 1- 5 September, is designed to encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration, international partnerships, and develop practical solutions to some of the world’s most complex health and wellbeing challenges. Researchers from 25 international institutions are taking part, with researchers joining through Universitas 21’s partnership with the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). This partnership has enabled wider participation from African universities beyond U21, strengthening the network’s global reach. Together, participants will be exploring issues that affect both the quality and quantity of life, from healthcare and social disparities, to the impact of education, physical environments, sustainability, and climate change on wellbeing, particularly in the Global South.  

‘How to Health’ video series

Alongside the week-long programme of skills-sharing, workshops, poster sessions, lightning talks and panel discussions, a ‘How to Health’ video series will be launched on U21’s social media channels, to extend the reach of the conversations happening at the workshop. Topics will range from eating sustainably for the planet and supporting climate action, to exploring the secrets of strong social relationships and how studying gorillas might hold the key. Follow U21’s channels on LinkedIn and Instagram to see the series as it develops and to discover more about the workshop. 

Delegate Dr Shellie Radford, a Senior Research Fellow based in the Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre has contributed to the ‘How to Health’ series. Her video, ‘How to look after your gut health’, investigates how gut health impacts inflammation, immunity, mood and long-term wellbeing. 

Dr Radford said: “Being part of this global workshop allows me to connect with researchers from diverse backgrounds, share expertise, and build meaningful collaborations. Tackling the rising burden of long-term [gastrointestinal] conditions requires a united effort, and this network will help create creative approaches to complex challenges in gastroenterology research that benefit patients worldwide.” 

Jenny Dixon, Provost of Universitas 21, added: “We are delighted to see such strong participation this year, with researchers from across the network as well as from universities beyond it joining through our partnership with the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). This workshop underlines the importance of international collaboration and offers a unique chance to share ideas, build connections and tackle some of today’s most pressing global challenges.” 

We are proud and excited to welcome such a diverse cohort of early career researchers to the Universitas 21 (U21) Early Career Researchers Workshop. 

By creating a vibrant space to spark cross-disciplinary collaboration, we hope to build lasting international networks of researchers in the early stages of their career who will go on to shape a positive and sustainable future. It opens up the route to joint scientific publications that will push the boundaries of knowledge and will initiate collaborative projects with the potential to deliver far-reaching impact.”

-Professor Jeanette Woolard, the University of Nottingham’s Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Researcher Academy and Research Culture Development.

Find out more:

• Find out more about the opportunities and programmes available through Universitas 21