Pasteur Network Climate & Health fellows convene for the first time in Hong Kong (April 26-May 3, 2025)

The Pasteur Network and the HKU-Pasteur Research Pole (HKU) are proud to host the first in-person convening of the Climate and Health Accelerator Fellows from April 26 to May 3, 2025, in Hong Kong. This marks a major milestone in the project, which aims to build a global community of early-career researchers committed to advancing science and innovations at the intersection of climate change and public health.

The Accelerator is a pioneering initiative bringing together 18 fellows from 16 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Each fellow is developing a locally grounded research project to address climate-sensitive health issues—from vector-borne diseases and antimicrobial resistance to heat stress, air pollution, and zoonoses. Their work reflects the rich diversity of Pasteur Network members and the urgent need for context-specific responses to climate-health challenges.

This landmark convening will feature two inspiring keynote lectures:

• Tamer Rabie from the World Bank, speaking virtually, will share insights on global development financing mechanisms for climate and health programs
• Aditya Bahadur of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre will present in person, bringing expertise on adaptation strategies for community adaptation and resilience against climate-health challenges.

The weeklong program includes expert-led lectures, interactive workshops, and collaborative sessions covering themes such as epidemiological modeling, GIS and climate data analysis, smart cities, media engagement, and policy transformation. Sessions will be facilitated by leading scientists and practitioners from institutions including Fiocruz, HKU, International Vaccine Institute , and the Pasteur Network.

Notably, this convening is also the first opportunity for fellows to present their research projects to one another, build peer support systems, and collectively explore pathways to impact—both scientific and societal.

This dynamic gathering reflects the Observatory’s core mission: to equip emerging researchers with the tools, mentorship, and global connections needed to drive climate and health solutions in their regions and beyond.

The convening opening ceremony and the keynote lectures will be recorded and available soon on the Pasteur Network Youtube channel : https://www.youtube.com/@pasteurnetwork

Stay tuned for highlights and updates from Hong Kong throughout the week, on our Linkedin Page : https://www.linkedin.com/company/pasteur-network/

This event is organised as part of the ‘Climate and Health Acceleraror Programme’ project co-funded by The Rockefeller Foundation and the Institute of Philanthropy. Read more about the programme : https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/news/pasteur-network-launches-pioneering-project-at-world-health-summit-to-tackle-health-impacts-of-climate-change/

“None of the Institute of Philanthropy, its founding donors or any other persons involved in or related to the compilation of the contents herein (collectively, “the HKJC Parties“) makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the contents or as to the results that may be obtained by the use thereof. In no event shall any HKJC Party have any liability of any kind to any person or entity arising from or related to any actions taken or not taken as a result of any of the contents herein.”