Novo Nordisk Foundation, Wellcome, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Unite to Advance Scientific Research Globally

In addition to funding scientific research, the partnership will directly support researchers and institutions in low- and middle-income settings.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation, Wellcome, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have joined hands to support critical scientific research and development (R&D) for global health.

The three-year initiative, unveiled at the Novo Nordisk Foundation's Global Science Summit in Denmark, involves a combined commitment of $300 million to advance solutions that are accessible and affordable to people in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs).

By leveraging each organization's vast experience and unique expertise across research, technology, innovation, and enterprise, the partnership aims to make advances that wouldn't otherwise be possible.

The collaborative effort seeks to break down barriers between isolated areas of work and support the development of innovative solutions to improve and save lives.

Key Focuses

The partnership will focus on three key areas:

Climate and Sustainability: Advancing climate data, sustainable agriculture, and food systems to protect people from the health impacts of climate change.

Infectious Diseases: Addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), advancing disease surveillance, and developing vaccines for respiratory infections to reduce the burden of infectious diseases in LMICs.

Interactions Between Nutrition, Immunity, and Diseases: Understanding the interplay between nutrition, immunity, infectious diseases, cardiometabolic diseases, and developmental outcomes to promote holistic health solutions.

In addition to funding scientific research, the partnership will provide direct support for researchers and institutions based in low- and middle-income settings. This support includes resources to advance locally relevant research agendas, strengthen R&D capacities, and scale equitable access to existing tools and technologies.

The initiative seeks to unlock novel ideas and support scientists working directly with communities that stand to benefit the most. By empowering local researchers and institutions, the partnership aims to foster sustainable solutions tailored to the unique needs of each community.

Addressing Global Health Challenges

The collaboration comes at a critical time when global health faces unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and persistent inequalities.

With funding and attention for global health and development faltering, the partnership aims to accelerate progress and address pressing health issues affecting the world's most vulnerable populations.

Recognizing the importance of collective action, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Wellcome, and the Gates Foundation will explore opportunities to expand the partnership to include public and private partners.

The collaboration aims to amplify its impact and drive transformative change in global health research by mobilizing resources and networks.

The leaders behind the initiative express optimism about the potential for scientific breakthroughs to save and improve lives worldwide.

About the Organizations

- Novo Nordisk Foundation: An independent Danish enterprise foundation supporting philanthropic purposes using funds from its ownership and investment in companies and other financial assets.

- Wellcome: A global charitable foundation based in the UK that supports science to solve urgent health challenges facing everyone.

- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives through philanthropic efforts worldwide.