About Us
The Institute of Development Studies is supporting HeatNexus (Heat Adaptation Research for Action), a network of nine Wellcome-funded research projects focused on heat adaptation interventions to enhance health in various low- or middle-income countries from 2024 to 2030.
Photo by Sam Reddin
Supporting projects finding innovative ways to adapt to our heating planet
Extreme heat events are increasing in frequency and intensity across the globe and urgent research is underway to investigate different ways to manage and limit the negative effects of heat on health, especially in communities most at risk.
Welcome
Advancing climate and health solutions.
Wellcome has made Climate and Health one of their three strategic priorities and their mission is to generate the health evidence for policy action that protects health from climate change.
Through the Heat adaptation: evaluating interventions to help manage the health effects of heat funding scheme, they have awarded grants to research teams in 11 low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) from 2024 to 2030 who are investigating ways we can adapt.
The projects will test interventions to manage heat-related health risks in real world settings. Research teams seek to test and evaluate a new or existing heat adaptation interventions with the potential to change policy and/or practice in LMICs. These nine projects now form the HeatNexus network.
What We Do
As part of this global effort, the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is leading the HeatNexus Network Support Programme, which will accompany the nine HeatNexus research projects, supporting them as they plan and deliver their projects using a participatory and reflective approach. The IDS team will facilitate:
Engaging policy makers and practitioners with the evidence.
We bring together research teams, policymakers, and practitioners to share knowledge and develop cohesive, impactful strategies.
Capacity enhancement and exchange
By building skills, exchanging expertise, and fostering innovation, we empower stakeholders to implement effective heat adaptation interventions.
Knowledge translation and research impact communication
HeatNexus ensures research findings are synthesised and communicated effectively to influence policies and practices at local, national, and global levels.
Research synthesis to identify coherent bodies of knowledge
From research synthesis to cross-cohort learning, we strive to identify coherent bodies of knowledge that inform real-world applications and shape heat adaptation frameworks.
WELLCOME TRUST
Advancing Climate and Health Solutions
The Wellcome Trust is leading the charge in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time—climate change and its profound impact on global health. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and actionable policies, Wellcome is fostering a world where health is at the forefront of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Through strategic funding, Wellcome supports transformative research that uncovers the intricate links between climate change and health, particularly in diverse and vulnerable communities. This approach ensures that the solutions developed are both scientifically robust and locally applicable.
