Nasreen Jessani (EV 2014)
The EV4GH is more than a program – its an experience – one that is similar to that first intense overwhelming first year at university where you plan to go predominantly for the learning but realize that country you are in, the people you are meeting and the networks you are making will transcend all that! Whether you are just embarking on a PhD, just completing a PhD, more of an advocate, or entrenched in practice, the EV4GH experience won’t disappoint. There is so much to learn as well as to impart. Your cohort comes with a multitude of experiences that makes discussions and debates all the more interesting. But above all you find your “voice” and you learn how to project it – in a way that makes sense for you – whether it be through publications, interviews, blogs, op-eds, presentations or posters. So apply now and be a part of this transformative experience – you won’t regret it!
Radhika Arora (EV 2012)
The emerging voices program catapults you into the world of health systems research. It took me six years to make the shift from journalism to public health, and a day into the emerging voices program to make me feel like I belong. The program offers an opportunity for young and upcoming researchers to engage with the more experienced; and for the uninitiated, an opportunity to soak in the nerdy charms of a global health conference. The EV program breaks traditional styles of training and teaching, with a clever recipe of enhancing the soft skills of presenting your work, networking and developing team skills, along with the more theoretical aspects of research. Participants form bonds which extend beyond the conference, through academic collaborations, partnerships, grant writing and just as important, friendship. If this isn’t enough, as a bonus, any shred of self-consciousness or inhibitions you may have in tweeting or blogging about your awesome research will be cast aside with the support and encouragement the EV program offers!
Asmat Malik (EV2010)
Being an EV will give you access to ‘the fountain of youth’: staying young at heart even with ‘emerging’ grey hair! I reckon it’s better than botox. On a more serious note, the programme will teach you to write scientifically yet “straight from your heart”! Apply today!
Elena Vargas (EV2014)
The Emerging Voices programme is a fantastic networking opportunity. It enables cooperation among young researchers to discuss and come up with solutions to current global health challenges. It is a platform that engages interdisciplinary approaches to different issues as well! Since being an EV I enjoy writing blogs and editorials with other EVs from across Latin America. I would definitely recommend the EV2016 applicants to join the EV thematic group of #HSR2016 too!
A picture of fellow Latin American EVs & for those who prefer Spanish:
‘El programa de Emerging Voices es una fantástica oportunidad para extender los contactos con otros profesionales. Permite la cooperación entre investigadores jóvenes para discutir e idear posibles soluciones ante los retos actuales en salud global. Es una plataforma que fomenta perspectivas interdisciplinarias para diferentes problemas. Personalmente tuve la experiencia de escribir para blog y editoriales con otros Emerging Voices latinoamericano. Fue una experiencia bastante interesante exponerse a otros puntos de vista que no sea el médico (porque yo soy médico). Le recomiendo a los aplicantes EV2016 que también se unan al grupo temático de EV4GH de Health Systems Global’
Taufique Joarder, EV 2010
I am an EV alumnus from the first cohort (2010). After the initial training and presentations in Antwerp, we all moved (in a bus) to Montreux, Switzerland to attend the 1st Global Symposium on Health Systems Research. Everyday, before the sessions, we used to have debriefing session with the EV organizing team. I remember Wim van Damme telling us that we were free to ask any intriguing or even provocative question at the symposium, even to the point of causing embarrassment to the presenter in the conference. Wim’s argument was that, since we were identified as young researchers, we were not expected to know what to ask and what not to ask. That was such an empowering experience. It’s been a long time since then, but I still feel empowered as an EV.
A video prepared by me while covering major EV events and people in 2010: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-MB2_7YtPE
Adithya Pradyumna (EV 2014)
I am an introvert by nature, but recognise the importance of networking and communication in the field of public health, and so I suggest others facing a similar challenge to consider the Emerging Voices for Global Health (ev4gh) programme which will certainly boost one’s confidence! Participating in the EV program was an exciting experience. Through face-to-face training which spanned over two weeks in Cape Town (SA) 2014, I got to meet several enthusiastic, well informed, technically competent and more often than not also socially inclined (i.e. slightly crazy and way out-of-the-box) professionals in the HSR (Health Systems Research) field! I would say that I have benefited even more from the great networking opportunities- the first is receiving tremendous support and encouragement from ITM staff to write for the International Health Policies blog (PS the one you’re reading right now). The second is working on collaborative pieces with fellow EVs for international journals, where one gets input from across the globe! Most of all, I appreciate the constant sharing of information (via our very own google group), which – trust me – has helped me to keep up-to-date with the latest global health happenings! My advice, get your application in as soon as possible!