Research

The Research Program within the Paul Farmer Collaborative brings together scholars, practitioners, and communities across borders to conduct research that drives meaningful, equitable, and actionable change. Rooted in Dr. Paul Farmer’s belief that “research and service can, and should, go hand in hand,” our collaborative research efforts aim to close the gap between knowledge and justice.

The model of a teaching hospital, which links research to teaching and service is what’s missing in global health.

-Dr. Paul Farmer

The Collaborative’s research initiatives address the structural, social, and clinical drivers of health inequities. We support and connect interdisciplinary teams of researchers across partner institutions to:
Conduct community-engaged, implementation-focused research
Co-design studies with local partners, ensuring research is relevant and respectful
Advance social medicine and health systems science, informed by lived experience
Translate findings into policy and practice, with community input and shared ownership
Research areas include:
Social determinants of health and structural violence
Health systems strengthening and workforce development
Infectious disease and noncommunicable disease management
Mental health, maternal health, and health equity metrics
Climate change and its impact on health in vulnerable populations
Key pillars of our approach:
Local leadership: Research is guided by community and institutional priorities
Shared authorship and recognition: All collaborators are equal contributors
Capacity building: We strengthen local research infrastructure and mentorship
Ethical engagement: All research centers justice, transparency, and dignity
Who Can Participate
Researchers, clinicians, students, and community leaders affiliated with member institutions of the Paul Farmer Collaborative are welcome to participate. We prioritize projects that involve multi-country, cross-institutional teams, especially those that include LMIC leadership and community-based partners.
Ideal collaborators:
Work in disciplines related to health equity, social medicine, or global health
Embrace participatory, community-based, or interdisciplinary research methods
Are committed to mentorship and the equitable distribution of research resources.

The Collaborative’s research initiatives address the structural, social, and clinical drivers of health inequities. We support and connect interdisciplinary teams of researchers across partner institutions to:
Conduct community-engaged, implementation-focused research
Co-design studies with local partners, ensuring research is relevant and respectful
Advance social medicine and health systems science, informed by lived experience
Translate findings into policy and practice, with community input and shared ownership
Research areas include:
Social determinants of health and structural violence
Health systems strengthening and workforce development
Infectious disease and noncommunicable disease management
Mental health, maternal health, and health equity metrics
Climate change and its impact on health in vulnerable populations
Key pillars of our approach:
Local leadership: Research is guided by community and institutional priorities
Shared authorship and recognition: All collaborators are equal contributors
Capacity building: We strengthen local research infrastructure and mentorship
Ethical engagement: All research centers justice, transparency, and dignity
Who Can Participate
Researchers, clinicians, students, and community leaders affiliated with member institutions of the Paul Farmer Collaborative are welcome to participate. We prioritize projects that involve multi-country, cross-institutional teams, especially those that include LMIC leadership and community-based partners.
Ideal collaborators:
Work in disciplines related to health equity, social medicine, or global health
Embrace participatory, community-based, or interdisciplinary research methods
Are committed to mentorship and the equitable distribution of research resources.