Dr Michael Kizito (Computer Science, Makerere University, Uganda)

• The study intends to carry out interviews to get the perceptions of students about mental health in tertiary institutions to inform the design of digital tools in promoting advocacy and how to seek for and provide help to those in need of relevant services. This project seeks to examine student perceptions of the notion of “mental health” using qualitative data collection techniques in public universities in Uganda.
• I am looking for a collaborator who is familiar with qualitative data collection as well as carrying out research in low resource settings.

Prof Tim Dye (Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, USA)

• The legal status of biospecimens integrally intersects with human rights (autonomy, privacy), society (beneficence, greater good), and research discovery. We are interested in exploring the implications of international human rights-related treaties (e.g., UN Charter, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, Universal Declaration), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, Political Covenant), International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), others) by analyzing these treaties, international judicial decisions, and other sources of international law surrounding rights, consent and control over one’s own biospecimens. We plan a partner meeting, comparative background analyses, and a foundational paper presenting an analysis and framework describing if/how sentinel international treaties and international law relates to human rights and control of one’s tissues.
• We are looking for legal analysts – specifically, collaborators with connections to law schools. Individuals with medical-legal backgrounds, interests in international law, and/or biomedical law expertise. Geographic representation from around the world.

Prof Hengkai Zhang (Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China)

• The project aims to investigate the development of solar cells in various regions and analyze the policy support for these developments. Specifically, we will focus on the pollution issues associated with perovskite solar cells and explore potential solutions within the framework of future industrialization. Research Questions: 1. How are solar cells being developed and supported by policies in different regions? 2. What are the primary pollution concerns related to perovskite solar cells? 3. What solutions can be implemented to mitigate the environmental impact of perovskite solar cells in the context of large-scale industrialization? To address these questions, we will conduct a comprehensive review of the current state of solar cell development and policy support across various regions. This will involve: - Organizing conferences, meetings, and workshops to gather insights from WUN partners, industry experts, policymakers, and researchers. - Conducting surveys to collect data on the implementation and impact of policies supporting solar cell development. - Analyzing case studies of successful implementations and identifying best practices for mitigating pollution from perovskite solar cells.
• The project aims to bring together experts in chemistry, optics, environmental science, engineering, policy analysis, and economics to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with solar cell development and policy support. The PI has expertise in perovskite optoelectronics and is looking for collaborators from across the world, particularly in countries/regions where solar energy has been highly invested and particularly those who have expertise in environmental science, policy analysis, and economics.

Dr Karl Ropkins (Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds, UK)

• Whether we work in academia, government or the commercial sector, we all now face legally binding net-zero targets that will require unprecedented decarbonisation, and a rapid overhaul of our institutional infrastructures. Although many of the alternative technologies now being proposed are truly promising, none have ever been deployed at the scales required. Therefore, even without the financial issues of recent years, the next decade will be both a highly challenging and uncertain time. However, universities are uniquely placed to take a lead on such efforts and foster best practices. Firstly, we have a duty of care to support and develop our communities, both through our student-training and research, and in action with our partners both locally and internationally. But, perhaps more importantly, our infrastructures are typically diverse, reflecting both the scale of our operations and the interests of our collaborating partners, making us the ideal test-bed for the evaluation and up-scaling of almost any new-to-market emission reduction systems or services. Early evidence indicates that reducing transport-related emissions is likely to be one of the most challenging elements of our climate action plans. Here, one of the biggest issues is the diverse nature of transport emissions, ranging from the (Scope 1) emissions directly produced by a university’s own vehicle fleet to the indirect (Scope 3) emissions associated with activities like staff and student commuting, business travel and field work. Therefore, our proposal is to establish a working group to share updates and early findings on university fleet upgrades internationally. While we acknowledge that there may never be a ‘magic bullet’ for net zero for our vehicle fleets and that best options will most likely vary by, for example, location and sector, we do believe that such a forum for the sharing of skills and knowledge is critical if we want to identify ‘what works where’ and maximise our chances of everyone hitting their net zero targets. (For reference, University of Leeds, Climate Plan – Annual Progress Review) https://climate.leeds.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/UoL_Climate-Plan-Annual-Progress-Review-Report_Final-for-website.pdf)
• We are interested in collaborating with partners across the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) who are actively engaged in their University’s own vehicle fleet upgrade programme, research that could help to accelerate vehicle fleet transitions, and those interested in discussing similar work internationally and the scope to accelerate efforts through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.  
  
  

Dr Thomas Robshaw (Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, UK)

• Fluoride is a ubiquitous chemical species in groundwater. Human consumption, at low levels, is considered beneficial, as it strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay. However, fluoride concentration in drinking water is hard to regulate. Many countries are situated on natural geological “fluoride belts”, including China, Thailand and parts of Africa and South America and local populations can suffer from the disabling condition of fluorosis; caused by excessive fluoride consumption. This can be particularly acute in rural areas. Most affected countries have now implemented fluorosis control programmes, to control the disease. However, the standard removal method of fluoride from water has many limitations. It produces large volumes of sludge, of no economic value. It makes the water less palatable and it does not recycle the fluoride. This last point is particularly unacceptable, as fluoride is rapidly becoming a scarce and valuable commodity, in high demand for the manufacture of many important chemicals and other materials. A technology has been conceptualised and developed for the selective removal of fluoride from water, in the form of a chemically-modified ion-exchange resin. It was originally employed for treatment of waste from the aluminium industry and it has been proved that a pure and substantially enriched stream of aqueous fluoride can be attained from operating the resin in a hydrodynamic system, which is suitable for precipitation as a fluoride-bearing salt. The resin could be repurposed, with modification, to treat fluoridated groundwater and progress towards recovering the fluoride in an economically valuable form. Such a technology would not only help in providing safe drinking water to isolated communities, but also be a source of wealth- and employment-creation for those communities, provided local labour could be used to engineer and run the technology. The next steps for this project will be to: (a) Test the technology for the remit of selective defluoridation of groundwater. (b) Investigate feasible methodologies for recovery of aqueous fluoride as a commodity chemical (after enrichment). (c) Gather intelligence on the feasibility of technology implementation in fluorosis-affected areas, using local resources, labour and expertise; liaising with local communities and gauging public acceptability.
• We are seeking collaborators with expertise in one or more of the following areas: (a) Physicochemical techniques for the recovery of chemicals and/or minerals from water, in particular precipitation. (b) Scaling-up of hydrometallurgical systems. (c) Designing and undertaking research into local populations, expertise and infrastructure. (d) Designing and undertaking surveys to gauge public opinion. (e) Technicoeconomic assessment and lifecycle analysis. We are particularly keen to hear from researchers based in countries that have implemented defluoridation programmes, with connections to local engineering firms. 

Dr Valentine Nlebedim (Faculty of Environment, University of Leeds, UK)

• Vulnerable populations, including those in low-income regions and marginalised communities, often experience significant health disparities due to limited access to healthcare and higher exposure to risk factors. This project seeks to address these disparities by developing and applying advanced statistical methods to improve health outcomes on a global scale. The objectives of the project are: 1) Integrate Health Data: Compile and harmonize diverse health data sources to create a comprehensive dataset. 2) Assess Health Risks: Use statistical modelling and machine learning to identify key health risks in vulnerable populations. 3) Evaluate Interventions: Apply causal inference methods to assess the effectiveness of health interventions. 4) Develop Predictive Models: Create models to inform targeted interventions and resource allocation. 5) Build Local Capacity: Train local researchers and healthcare professionals in statistical analysis. Methodology: The project will begin with data collection from global health databases, national surveys, and local records. Advanced statistical methods, including generalized linear models and machine learning algorithms, will be used to analyse the data. Causal inference techniques, such as propensity score matching, will evaluate the impact of interventions. Additionally, capacity-building initiatives will empower local stakeholders to sustain and expand upon the project's outcomes. Expected Outcomes: 1) A comprehensive understanding of health risks in vulnerable populations. 2) Data-driven recommendations for targeted interventions. 3) Predictive models for effective resource allocation. 4) Enhanced local expertise in statistical methods and health data management. Impact: By providing evidence-based strategies, this project aims to reduce health disparities and support global health equity. The outcomes will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote the use of advanced statistical methods in public health.
• We are seeking: 1. Health Researchers • Expertise: - Extensive experience in global health research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). - Understanding of the socio-economic, cultural, and environmental determinants of health in diverse populations. • Ideal Collaborator: - Researchers who have led or been involved in international health projects, with a focus on health disparities, infectious diseases, or chronic conditions in vulnerable groups. 2. Health Policy Analysts • Expertise: - Strong background in health policy analysis, with the ability to translate research findings into policy recommendations. - Experience working with government agencies or international organizations on health policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. • Ideal Collaborator: - Researchers who have contributed to policy papers or have experience advising governments or NGOs on health-related issues.