The University of Liverpool played a key role in the inaugural India-UK Research Partnership Meet, a gathering focused on advancing women’s health through international collaboration.
Hosted in partnership with the Fernandez Hospital Education and Research Foundation, the event brought together experts from both nations to explore how research can address critical challenges in maternal and child health.
Professor Shakila Thangaratinam, Professor of Women's Health and India Lead at the University of Liverpool, delivered the keynote address at the event on 30 January at Fernandez Stork Home in Hyderabad, India. A renowned expert in systematic reviews and a key collaborator with the World Health Organization, she emphasised the importance of collective efforts in improving health outcomes. “Research-driven partnerships like these bridge gaps between science and real-world impact. By working together, we can turn evidence into action, ensuring that every woman, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status, receives the highest standard of care,” she said.
The event saw participation from representatives of the Government of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, UNICEF, and leading higher education institutions. Key topics discussed included strengthening academic ties between India and the UK, prioritising maternal health through the C-Safe Programme and using data for improved maternal health outcomes.
Gareth Owen, Deputy British High Commissioner to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, underscored the UK’s commitment to supporting impactful research collaborations with India, saying: "The UK and India share a rich history of academic and healthcare collaborations. This partnership in women's health research is a testament to our shared ambition of improving maternal and newborn care through innovation, evidence-based policy, and education."
With experts and key stakeholders engaging in discussions, the meeting set the stage for future collaborations, funding opportunities, and knowledge exchange aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for women across India and beyond.
Professor Thangaratinam added: "The India-UK Research Partnership Meet is critical to achieving our goal of improved health and wellbeing for all, with a particular focus on girls and women who are often neglected. We are delighted to have engaged with a wide range of influential stakeholders, and look forward to furthering the partnership between our two countries in research, education, and knowledge mobilisation."
The University of Liverpool continues to strengthen its partnerships in India, focusing on global health, education, and industry. During a visit to India in summer, Professor Tariq Ali, the University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Partnerships, celebrated new and existing partnerships in the country with key partners like the Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, the Indian Institute of Science, and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences.
Learn more about global partnerships and collaboration at the University of Liverpool
Images courtesy of the Fernandez Foundation