Topic

The pattern and burden of disease is changing across all regions of the world. Understanding the drivers of this epidemiological transition is essential in informing preventive strategies, the investments in health systems and in establishing the most relevant research agenda for the future. The shifting demographics, increasing urbanization, socio-economic developments, medical advancements and environmental change are among the key drivers of the epidemiological transition. Most low and middle-income countries are experiencing a rapid increase in non-communicable diseases but at the same time have to cope with a significant burden of infectious diseases. Developing policies and interventions addressing this double burden of disease represents a huge potential for impact and an opportunity to improve the lives for the majority of the population on the planet.

Bio

Flemming Konradsen, professor of global health at the University of Copenhagen and Scientific Director of Global Health, Novo Nordisk Foundation, has more than twenty-five years of research and programming experience in the field of environmental health and global health. He is also the director of the School of Global Health, University of Copenhagen. Konradsen focuses his research on human health related to environmental health; land use and human health; pesticide poisoning; and control of vector borne diseases in Asia, Africa and Europe. His research methods include epidemiology, qualitative studies, economic evaluations, health promotion and health system analysis. He has extensive experience from multidisciplinary community-based intervention research and is responsible for a number of programs aimed at building research capacity at university level in Asia and Africa.  He has significant involvement with educational programs in East Africa, South Asia and the Nordic region. Among others, he has worked for international research organisations, the UN system, universities, development NGOs and national ministries of health.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation recruited Flemming Konradsen as Scientific Director of Global Health in January 2022 to support the development and implementation of research and development programs within the global health area. His work includes develops partnerships with academic institutions, authorities and civil society organizations in Denmark and abroad within global health, and contributes to the globalization of the Foundation’s activities.