Strengthening the evidence base on global air pollution epidemiology: the case for collaboration and engagement

Abstract

Increasing interest in expanding the scope of environmental epidemiology to more adequately reflect the diversity of global contexts is converging with calls for reforming global health. This presentation will examine some of the drivers of these converging trends and offer reflections on the key components of sustainable, mutually beneficial research collaborations to support global air pollution epidemiology. I will discuss the important role of capacity building at the organizational, project, and individual-level for strengthening the evidence base on air pollution epidemiology globally, drawing from the experience of the ISEE Capacity Building and Education Committee (CAPE) and specific projects including the Cardiovascular health effects of Air pollution in Telangana, India (CHAI) project. I will provide an overview of the guiding principles applied in the CHAI project to build capacity of new researchers in India, and increase their participation in international publications and professional networks. I will reflect on current barriers to publication of environmental exposure science and epidemiology research from low- and middle-income country (LMIC) authors in journals. Finally, I will provide an overview of innovative strategies to facilitate publication of high quality LMIC-led research, including as an example, the CAPE Peer Editing Program.