Australia Awards scholars explore the future of global health
At The Australian National University (ANU), the next generation of health leaders gathered to address some of the world’s toughest health challenges: pandemics, equity, and resilience.
More than 50 Australia Awards scholars from across the Indo-Pacific attended Facing Forward: Innovations and Challenges in Global Health, a professional development event co-hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH).
Growing network for global impact
As one of the nation’s most prestigious long-term awards, the Australia Awards program supports talented students and professionals to study and train in Australia before returning home to drive change.
Over the past 20 years, the Australia Awards have supported more than 1,500 health alumni from the Indo-Pacific.
“Our alumni are changing the face of health by driving reforms in their home countries and fostering collaborations between alumni, Australian institutions, and partner nations,” said Sean Starmer, Acting First Assistant Secretary at DFAT’s Global Health Division.
Carrying that legacy forward, this event offered the scholars a unique opportunity to build the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to lead in a rapidly evolving global health landscape.
Inside an immersive program
The 1.5-day program began with a warm Welcome to Country by senior Ngambri-Ngunnawal custodian Paul Girrawah House, setting a tone of respect and collaboration.
Scholars then visited Parliament House to gain insights into Australia’s role in global health before joining a pandemic preparedness exercise led by NCEPH researchers. Through group discussions and presentations, scholars covered four critical aspects of planning for the next pandemic.
The second day featured heavyweight expertise, with Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd AO delivering a keynote on megatrends and challenges facing future health systems.
Other sessions explored equity in public health, global health priorities, the health impacts of climate change, and the One Health approach linking people, animals, and ecosystems.
Between thought-provoking seminars, the scholars also had time to connect and recharge — with a lively 3-minute dance session, a spirited Pub(lic health) Trivia, and a networking lunch with DFAT and NCEPH representatives.
Momentum beyond the gathering
The gathering at ANU was about more than just training.
“This is about equipping leaders not only with knowledge, but with new experiences, connections, and opportunities,” said Professor Martyn Kirk at NCEPH. “Global health challenges demand collective solutions, and these scholars are stepping up with fresh perspectives to take back to their home countries.”
As the event concluded, the message was clear: the work doesn’t stop here.
The friendships and partnerships forged at ANU will ripple far beyond Canberra, strengthening health systems across the Indo-Pacific.
For Australia Awards and NCEPH, the commitment continues. By investing in the next generation of global health leaders we can help build a healthier, more resilient future across the Indo-Pacific.