Key competencies for global health research: systematic literature review and mapping

Abstract Background Despite a boom in global health programmes and trainings, there is a lack of clarity and standardisation about which competencies are essential for researchers in global health, who stem from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. The objective was to map key competencies for global health research and approaches to progressively develop them in education and training. Methods We performed a systematic review in English in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Psychinfo/EBCSO host of literature published since 1 January 2010. 1827 articles were screened in duplicate. Data was extracted from 84 publications about focus in global health, recommended competencies and educational approaches, with two researchers giving a relevancy rating. AI-assisted extraction was conducted on 40 high-relevance publications to garner further information, informing development and application of a coding framework to these articles. Results Emerging results point to eight main domains and numerous subdomains related to competencies seen as critical for global health research. In addition to traditionally emphasised cognitive competencies (e.g. methodological), the literature underlined the importance of critical analyse of how systems related to globalisation, political economy and structural injustice shape health at local level. Also highlighted was the need for more focus on affective and practical competencies for conducting global health research in alignment with equity principles, including through innovative pedagogical approaches. Conclusions Our review identifies competencies seen as essential for global health researchers, including skills to critically analyse geopolitical, colonial and structural drivers, as well as self-reflexivity, (cultural) humility and other key affective competencies. It also highlights, however, the significant diversity of perspectives, lack of consensus, and ongoing disconnect between principles and practice. Key messages • Greater clarity and consensus is needed around the specific competencies required to work as a researcher in global health, taking account of diversity across disciplines, sectors and stages. • Global health researchers require skills to critically analyse geopolitical, colonial and structural drivers, as well as self-reflexivity, (cultural) humility and other key affective competencies.