UCF has been accepted into the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH), an organization of 170 academic institutions and organizations worldwide that are committed to addressing global health challenges.
The Washington D.C.-based nonprofit organization was established in 2008 with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates and Rockefeller foundations and seeks to improve health and health equity across the globe.
“UCF faculty are committed to improving the health and wellness of all,” says Deborah German, vice president for Health Affairs and dean of the UCF College of Medicine. “Acceptance into the Consortium of Universities for Global Health is evidence of that commitment on a global scale.”
UCF’s membership will allow faculty and students to build health research and service collaborations worldwide and work with international non-governmental organizations, governments and funders to improve the health of “people and the plant,” as CUGH’s mission states.
Elena Cyrus, a faculty member with the College of Medicine’s Population Health Sciences department, led efforts to gain membership and said joining the consortium will provide new avenues, partners and ideas for addressing healthcare needs worldwide.
“I am excited about the opportunities that will emerge for students and faculty from this recent milestone,” says Cyrus, an epidemiologist who had done extensive research work on the impact of diseases such as COVID-19 and HIV. “Joining this consortium is a testament to UCF’s commitment to globalized and innovative approaches for research and learning.”
Eric Schrimshaw joined the College of Medicine in 2019 to lead the medical school’s new population health department. He said being selected for the consortium recognizes UCF’s commitment to global health. “It is widely recognized that UCF’s home of Orlando welcomes visitors from throughout the world,” he said. “However, faculty and staff across UCF are also dedicated to conducting research with partners in all regions of the world to improve the health and wellbeing of people globally. The recognition of UCF as a CUGH member is recognition of that important work.”
