Country Specific Partnerships
Antimicrobial stewardship committee at KNUST University hospital Kumasi with Ulster University School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences staff...
Centre for International Health Innovation & Partnerships
The Centre for International Health Innovation & Partnerships (CIHIP) within the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ulster University is a global hub for health innovation and partnerships through research, education, and consultancy collaborations. As the first centre of our kind on the Island of Ireland our work strengthens health systems, modernises clinical practice, and integrates digital solutions.
Vision
To be a trusted international partner in collaborative innovation, developing sustainable health solutions that drive impactful research, shape effective policies, and enhance health efficacy worldwide.
Mission
CIHIP exists to advance global health collaboration by building interdisciplinary partnerships that foster research focused on medication safety, antimicrobial stewardship, and other critical health challenges. We aim to shape evidence-based practice, develop healthcare policies, strengthen health systems, and enhance clinical education through innovative solutions and collaborative knowledge exchange.
We are based within the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences on the Coleraine campus partnering with teams and institutions around the world.
Our Focus
We are at the forefront of global health innovation, focusing on key areas critical to improving healthcare delivery and outcomes worldwide. Through a comprehensive approach, CIHIP strives to address major health challenges by leveraging research, collaboration, and education.
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International Partnerships & Knowledge Exchange
We strengthen international partnerships to co-develop health solutions and foster knowledge exchange, with a focus on using cost effective solutions to optimise medicines use globally. The centre collaborates internationally to share best practices, research findings, and innovative solutions to improve healthcare systems and outcomes.
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Research & Health Systems Innovation
The centre focuses on tackling critical health challenges, such as antimicrobial stewardship and medicines optimisation, using a holistic approach that includes pharmacoeconomics and health economics. The centre leads research to improve medication safety and optimise the use of medicines, addressing issues like antibiotic resistance and strengthening health systems to meet global needs. Digital health solutions, including telemedicine and health records, are integrated to enhance care and system efficiency.
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Consultancy & Policy Engagement
CIHIP provides expert advisory services on medicines regulation, policy development, and healthcare system strengthening, assessing the value of health interventions. The centre helps develop evidence-based policies that improve patient safety, healthcare delivery, and system efficiency, ensuring that economic considerations are central to effective medicines use and optimisation.
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Clinical Education & Workforce Development
Our team designs tailored global training programmes, develops curricula, and facilitates faculty exchanges to enhance clinical education. The centre strengthens the healthcare workforce by equipping professionals with the skills needed to address healthcare challenges and make evidenced-based decisions in clinical practice.
About the Centre
CIHIP forms part of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ulster University and is dedicated to developing sustainable, co-designed solutions to global health challenges.
We collaborate through sector partnerships to generate practical solutions that improve healthcare access, quality and improve outcomes.
Strategic Alignment
CIHIP aligns with Ulster University’s Research and Global strategy, focusing on:
- Advancing research excellence in health sciences
- Enhancing internationalisation and knowledge exchange
- Delivering impact through healthcare innovation and collaboration
We contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being): Strengthening pharmacy and healthcare services
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): Supporting international health workforce development
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Building long-term, mutually beneficial health collaborations
Our Funders & Partners
We have received support and funding from a range of sources, reflecting the broad relevance and trust in our work.
Key funders and collaborators include:
- Commonwealth Pharmacy Association (CPA)
- Commonwealth Partners for Antimicrobial Stewardship (CWPAMS)
- Global Health Partnerships (formerly known as THET)
- England Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Global Health Fellowship
- Northern Ireland Pharmacy Forum - CW Young Fund
- Northern Ireland Department for Economy - International Science Partnership Fund
- Ulster University Vice Chancellors Research Scholarship
- Ulster University Research Development Fund ODA
- Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) MISP programme
- Medicines Optimisation and Innovation Centre, Northern Ireland
- KNUST University Hospital Ghana
- Department of Pharmacy KNUST University Ghana
- American University of Madaba Jordan
- Faculty of Pharmacy at the Universitas Indonesia
These partnerships support our shared vision of advancing health through innovation and collaboration.
Our Partnerships
At the Centre for International Health Innovation and Partnership (CIHIP), our global engagement operates across three key levels. We build country-specific partnerships, such as with KNUST in Ghana, to support system-wide improvements in healthcare delivery.
We lead programme-level initiatives, like the Global Excellence in Pharmacy Programme, to foster international collaboration in education and research. And we develop clinical and industry partnerships that translate innovation into practice across diverse healthcare settings. Together these partnerships reflect our commitment to co-creation, mutual learning and global impact.
Global Excellence in Pharmacy Programme
International experts from academia, industry and clinical practice collaborate with staff and students in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences...
Clinical and Industry Partnerships
Our clinical research and policy development is supported by industry partnerships enhancing safe medicines use and health optimisation....
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Our Advisory Team
The Advisory Team plays a key role in supporting the strategic development and direction of CIHIP. Drawing on their diverse expertise in healthcare, leadership and innovation they provide independent advice and critical insight to guide the Centre’s activities and long-term vision.
We are grateful for the support of the following advisory members:
- Professor Paul McCarron – Professor of Pharmaceutics and Head of The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ulster University.
- Professor Mike Scott - Director of the Regional Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC)
- Dr Glenda Fleming – Deputy Director for the Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC)
- Dr Jaquie Hanley – Consultant Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist at Western Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland.
Together, the Advisory Team helps ensure the Centre remains aligned with global needs, emerging opportunities and its core mission of improving health through collaborative innovation.
