University of Coimbra scientist appointed to World Health Organisation expert group

The University of Coimbra (UC) researcher Mónica Rodrigues has been invited by the World Health Organization (WHO) to join the expert group developing the Research Agenda for Action on Climate and Health (REACH 2035).

This expert group will establish shared, forward-looking research priorities to meet the evidence needs of policymakers, programme implementers, and advocates in protecting against and responding to the health impacts of climate change.

“This appointment is an international recognition of the scientific research I have conducted in recent years and my contribution to understanding the health impacts of climate change," said the researcher from the UC Centre of Studies in Geography and Spatial Planning (CEGOT).
REACH 2035 will serve as a global roadmap for those who lead and fund research by directing it towards high-priority, actionable questions; aligning it with the needs of communities and policymakers; and supporting the translation of evidence into policy and practice at all levels.

" Research on the health impacts of climate change has accelerated over the past decade. Yet, gaps in the evidence and a lack of applied research hinder the knowledge base needed to implement effective solutions – in the health, climate, energy, and other sectors – that can mutually advance climate change and global health goals", the scientist claims

Achieving the WHO targets on climate change and health will require new types of evidence and innovative research approaches. In this context, the main objectives of REACH 2035 are 1. To establish shared, forward-looking research priorities that effectively use actionable research and promote the translation of evidence into policy and practice; 2. To improve the alignment of research communities with all those who use research data for decision-making, including communities, programme implementers, policy-makers and others; 3. To expand and maximize the scale and impact of research funding on climate change and health, while guiding funding partners to support research that addresses the needs of society and policy-makers; 4. To promote inclusive and equitable research focused on the priorities of those most vulnerable to climate change.

“Climate change is widely recognised as a pressing health challenge, and addressing the links between climate change and health is a priority for WHO, as outlined in the 14th Programme of Action for 2025-28, which identifies climate change as one of its strategic goals.”, said Mónica Rodrigues.

^{Translation: Diana Taborda}