The St Andrews Global Challenges Forum was formed in 2018 and builds on the University’s commitment to the Global Challenges agenda. The forum supports the University’s extensive Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) challenge-led research base, funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) GCRF QR Grant and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Forum oversee, guide and support capacity building, sustaining capacity and development-related research activity through competitively funded projects intended to make a real difference to the lives of people in ODA countries. The Forum aims to develop strong and enduring partnerships between the University and developing-country researchers to enhance the research and innovation capacity of both and to deliver substantial impact on improved social welfare, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
Find out more about the Global Challenges Forum’s Sustainable Futures Symposia Series held during October 2021. You can access the recordings resource here.
SFC GCRF funded projects
All projects by School/Department
All projects by GC Forum theme
All projects by UN SDG
Recent posts from the Forum
- Nina Laurie: Opportunity Explorer
A background Nina Laurie is a Professor in the School of Geography and Sustainable Development. When asked if she would agree to be interviewed for this blog, she welcomed us … Read more - Combining the sciences to tackle health challenges: UTI diagnosis, social science and SLIC
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections investigated in clinical settings, affecting more than 404.6 million individuals in 2019. These bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics, … Read more - Using Participatory Action Research to address the supply and demand sides of unprescribed antibiotics in Tanzania
Understanding the socioeconomic and psychosocial drivers of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is vital if we are to prevent this potential global health catastrophe. AMR is a burgeoning healthcare crisis wherein bacteria, … Read more
See all Global Challenges Posts
Ukraine Statement
“The Global Challenges Forum stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. The Forum has supported several research projects in the country through the Scottish Funding Council’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF). We recognise the importance of supporting and continuing collaboration with our Ukrainian research partners.”
See more about the University’s response to the invasion of Ukraine here.
Black Lives Matter Statement
“As academics working in ODA countries on Global Challenges projects, we stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, and with disadvantaged communities across the globe. We recognise that universities, and the research and teaching that takes place there, have been part of a wider systemic framework that has seen minority voices silenced, and that has seen racism go unaddressed. In all our projects, with all our partners globally, we are actively working to promote academic practice that is centred upon equity and that acknowledges injustices with current structural privilege. We commit to continue to prioritise projects that support equitable attitudes and recognise that we still have more to learn together through our collaborations.”
Also see the University of St Andrews Equality Policy.