Photo courtesy of Stephan Schwander
Global Health Seed Grants
Rutgers Global Health Institute awards Global Health Seed Grants to faculty conducting collaborative, interdisciplinary activities that address health inequities in New Jersey and around the world. Our aim is to help faculty pursue new ideas and seed expanded research and funding. Grants are awarded in one of two categories: 1) Education, Training, and Capacity Building or 2) Research.
Program Details
Because global health places a priority on health equity, rather than on geographic location, the Global Health Seed Grants program is designed to address health disparities anywhere in the world, including Rutgers’ surrounding communities.
Past seed grant awards have supported efforts in New Brunswick and Newark, New Jersey, as well as in Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, Nepal, and Uganda, among other locations. Brief descriptions of all projects funded by Global Health Seed Grants are available at these links:
Global Health Seed Grants are awarded annually in collaboration with Rutgers Global. A call for proposals occurs in the fall of each year. Subscribe to Global Health Connection to receive updates about the Global Health Seed Grants program.
2025 Funded Projects
Education, Training, and Capacity Building Projects
Enhancing Perioperative Care in Ghana: A Collaborative Capacity-Building Initiative
Project Lead: Edward Lee, Associate Professor, Clinical Division Chief, Residency Program Director, Division of Plastic Surgery; Associate Professor of Surgery, New Jersey Medical School
This project aims to improve surgical outcomes at Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital in Ghana by addressing critical gaps in preoperative and postoperative care. High rates of surgical site infections (SSIs), significantly above global averages, highlight the need for improved training and resources.
The team will conduct a needs assessment and develop a hybrid educational program combining virtual modules with in-person workshops focused on wound care and infection prevention. A train-the-trainer model will empower local physicians to sustain and expand the program long-term.
By strengthening collaboration between U.S.-based surgeons and Ghanaian healthcare providers, this initiative advances sustainable capacity building and global health equity.
Research Projects
(Listed alphabetically by proposal title)
A Mixed Method Approach to Evaluate Toxic Metals Exposure Among Agricultural, Indigenous Communities in the Southern Andes
Project Lead: Zorimar Rivera-Nunez, Assistant Professor, School of Public Health
This pilot study will use a mixed-method approach to characterize toxic metal exposure and potential health impacts among rural agricultural and Indigenous communities in Peru’s Southern Andes. Through community partnership and interdisciplinary collaboration, the project aims to identify exposure pathways and address environmental health inequities.
Andean Shilajit May Alter the Gut-Brain Axis in Alzheimer’s Disease by Improving Intestinal Inflammation and Gut Hormone Secretion
Project Lead: Diana E. Roopchand, Associate Professor, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
This project investigates the therapeutic potential of Andean Shilajit (AnSh) in modulating the gut-brain axis in Alzheimer’s disease. Using advanced gut organoid models, the team will evaluate the effects of AnSh on intestinal inflammation and hormone secretion to better understand its potential as a therapeutic approach.
Determinants of Malaria Infection in Rural Uganda
Project Lead: Christina Bergey, Assistant Professor, School of Arts and Sciences
This study examines differences in malaria burden between two Ugandan populations and investigates whether prior viral exposure may influence malaria risk. Findings may inform public health strategies aimed at reducing malaria disparities.
Examining the Deficiencies in Education and Screening for Cancer Among Men and Women in Medication-Assisted Drug Treatment Programs in Five New Jersey Counties
Project Lead: Stanley H. Weiss, Professor, New Jersey Medical School
This study explores gaps in cancer education and screening among individuals in medication-assisted treatment programs in New Jersey. Through focus groups and surveys, the project will assess barriers to screening and inform potential policy improvements to enhance cancer prevention services.
Questions?
Send an email to info@globalhealth.rutgers.edu with “Global Health Seed Grants” in the subject line.