The new partnership will support critical scientific R&D for global health and is focused on advancing solutions that are accessible and affordable to people in low- and middle-income countries.

The three-year initiative was announced at the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Global Science Summit in Denmark, where each organization committed USD 100 million, for a total of USD 300 million. Initial funding will support solutions to address the health impacts of climate change; infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance (AMR); and greater understanding of the interplay between nutrition, immunity, disease, and developmental outcomes.

The three-year initiative was announced at the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Global Science Summit in Denmark, where each organization committed USD 100 million, for a total of USD 300 million.

“By pooling the vast experience and unique expertise of each organization – across research, technology, innovation, and enterprise – we can make advances that wouldn’t otherwise be possible,” says Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO, Novo Nordisk Foundation. “I am particularly excited about the chance to break down barriers between often isolated areas of work – between cardiometabolic and infectious diseases, or between scientific discovery and delivery of solutions, for example– and support the development of truly innovative solutions that can improve, and save, lives.”

I’m encouraged that this new partnership seeks to unlock novel ideas and support the scientists working directly with the communities that stand to benefit the most.”

The new funding will also include direct support for researchers and institutions based in low- and middle- income settings, including resources to advance locally relevant research agendas, strengthen R&D capacities, and scale equitable access to existing tools and technologies.

“The most effective solutions to pressing challenges often emerge from the very communities they affect,” says Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi, executive director of the African Population and Health Research Center, a leading scientific research institution. “I’m encouraged that this new partnership seeks to unlock novel ideas and support the scientists working directly with the communities that stand to benefit the most.”

Explore opportunities to expand this effort to include both public and private partners

Recognizing that philanthropy has an important role to play but can’t do it alone, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Wellcome, and the Gates Foundation will explore opportunities to expand this effort to include both public and private partners, as well as engaging other philanthropic partners.

“We’re on the cusp of so many scientific breakthroughs in agriculture, health, and nutrition, and with the right support these innovations will save and improve lives around the world,” says Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “Every sector has a critical role to play, and we hope this collaboration opens the door for other funders and partners to contribute to scaling up existing innovations and developing the tools of tomorrow.”

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