Developing an intercollegial international health research exchange training and education network

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted research environments, particularly for underrepresented doctoral students and early career researchers (ECRs). It underscored the global need for sustained collaborations and evidence-based research to inform policy and practice. In response, in 2021, Global Universitas 21 (U21) member institutions-the University of Maryland (USA), University of Birmingham (UK), and University College Dublin (Ireland)-established the international Health Research Exchange (U21HREx) network to facilitate career development in health and social care and address global health system challenges. Objectives To map interprofessional healthcare research activities implemented within the network since 2021 and illustrate the impact of cross-national collaboration in shaping sustainable, transformative health systems. Methods The network organized virtual sessions annually. Starting in 2023, in-person meetings rotated across university sites, including 3 visits to leading health systems, 1 visit with state legislators, and 8 student and ECR-led workshops supported by 4 academic leads. Additional activities included mentorship from U21HREx faculty, researchers, and national and local experts to foster collaborations and career development. Results Since 2021, participation in the network has grown from 7 to nearly 250 students and ECRs. Shared learning, including 19 webinars, focuses on sustainable population health strategies across 3 health systems, emphasizing workforce planning and digital innovations. Conclusions U21HREx represents a sustainable, interdisciplinary training and education network enabling research and practice-based skills development over 4 years and annual growth across 2 continents. It fosters collaborative, innovative solutions for public health researchers, the workforce, and future leaders. The network's success is evident in its growing international engagement and impact on sustainable health system initiatives. Key messages • Cross-national interdisciplinary evidence-based research training and education for students and early career researchers in health policy, services, management, and social care. • Innovative solutions adopting agile and hybrid platforms facilitates collaborative spaces for critical thinking and global learning.