Engagement, learning and collaboration at the 2025 Oxford Tropical Network meeting

More Than a Conference: A Catalyst for Global Change

The Oxford Tropical Network (OTN) Meeting 2025 (https://otn2025.kemri-wellcome.org/) was a dynamic, vibrant hub of ideas, culture, and connection. From September 15 to 18, in the beautiful coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya, researchers from across Oxford's global affiliate sites gathered with a single, powerful mission: to accelerate discovery and impact in tropical medicine and global health.

The Oxford Global Affiliate sites include the KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme https://kemri-wellcome.org/, the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit https://www.tropmedres.ac/, and the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit https://www.oucru.org/. This wasn't just another research conference; it was a melting pot of brilliant minds dedicated to solving the world's most pressing health challenges.

Under the theme “Networking for science discovery and impact,” the week was meticulously designed to break down silos and build bridges. The agenda was packed with sessions focused on:

·      Cutting-Edge Discovery Research: Unveiling new breakthroughs in disease understanding.

·      Collaborative Research Models: Creating stronger, more effective international partnerships.

·      The AI Revolution: Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to transform diagnostics, data analysis, and health systems.

The meeting featured intense panel discussions on critical global issues, diving deep into:

·      The escalating health threats posed by climate change.

·      Innovations and challenges in local vaccine manufacture.

·      Strategies for effectively engaging with policy makers to turn research into real-world policy.

Focused sessions provided a deep dive into specialized fields, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the future of clinical trials, advancements in lab sciences, and strengthening global health systems.

What truly set this meeting apart was its energy. It was a true showcase of culture and interaction.

Researchers shared not just data, but experiences and best practices from the front lines of global health. The vibrant setting of Mombasa fostered organic conversations that went beyond the conference room, sparking new ideas and collaborations over coffee and under the sun. The OTN Meeting 2025 proved that the most powerful solutions are born not just in labs, but through genuine human connection and shared purpose. The collaborations forged in Mombasa will undoubtedly echo through the world of global health for years to come.