Indo-Pacific Global Health Case Competition

Have you got what it takes to solve a global health problem?

The Indo-Pacific Global Health Case Competition provides university students in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region the opportunity to develop a multi-disciplinary, novel, evidence-based solution to the global health problem and present their case response (remotely or in person) to a panel of judges.

Each university can enter a team comprising of four to six students from any study discipline. Participating teams are given two weeks to prepare a response to the global health case before presenting it on the competition day. The global health case is multifaceted, involving various cultural challenges, economic issues and geographical complexities. There is no entry cost for university teams.

Expressions of interest are now open for applications opening in July 2026.

Link: https://q.surveys.unimelb.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_5zouhS6DJVyqU7k

The top scoring and runner-up teams are awarded a cash prize. Additionally, the top scoring team from a low- and middle-income country, and a selected group of top-performing University of Melbourne students gain access to the Emory Morningside Global Health Case Competition in the USA.

Participation in the global health case competition gives students and their academic mentors the opportunity to network with peers and seniors from across the region. Teams can also receive formal mentoring and training from University of Melbourne academics and organisational partners.

The 2025 University of Melbourne winning team with the Hon Tim Watts MP (Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs), Professor Jane Gunn AO, (Interim Provost, the University of Melbourne), Professor Michael Wesley (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Global Culture and Engagement), Professor Sant-Rayn Pasricha (Head of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health), Professor Margie Danchin (Associate Dean International, MDHS), Professor Nathan Grills, and Ms Caroline Hartnett (Director Study Melbourne).

The unique attributes of this prestigious competition are:

• cross-country, cross-cultural collaboration in learning and problem solving of global health challenges;
• experiential learning opportunities for students in each participating university with a focus on program and policy development to address global health challenges;
• relationship building between students and faculty in participating universities in diverse locations;
• capacity development with regards to solving complex problems, enriched by the diverse experience and expertise of students and mentors from different countries.

The 2025 first place winners joining virtually from Universiti Malaya, pictured with the Hon Tim Watts MP (Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs) and Professor Jane Gunn (Interim Provost, the University of Melbourne)

University of Melbourne students

University of Melbourne students do not need to form teams but apply as individuals. Selected students will be placed in a team by the Competition staff.

At the end of the competition, judges and invited dignitaries will share with the competitors the highlights and strengths of their case response. Winners of the competition receive a cash prize and receive feedback from the panel of expert judges.

By participating in the Indo-Pacific Global Health Case Competition, individuals are in the running to be part of the UniMelb team to go to Emory in March the next year. The University of Melbourne will select individuals based on the strengths of their participation and performance in their own teams, and make up a new University of Melbourne team to compete at the Emory Morningside Global Health Case Competition in Atlanta, USA. Attendance at the Emory competition is optional for the eligible individuals, and funding support is available.

Students who have competed in the Indo-Pacific Global Health Case Competition have found it to be a highlight of their student experience as they develop their leadership and teamwork skills, build new friendships and networks, and have the opportunity to consider how global health forms part of their future career.

Expressions of interest are now open for applications opening in July 2026.

Link: https://q.surveys.unimelb.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_5zouhS6DJVyqU7k

Indo-Pacific Universities

Universities in the Indo-Pacific region (including Australia) can enter team(s) of between four and six students. Students should be from at least three different course streams to form an interdisciplinary team (e.g. a mix of health, business, social sciences, engineering, or other disciplines). The number of teams each university is able to enter will be subject to confirmation by the University of Melbourne.

At the end of the competition, judges and invited dignitaries will share with the competitors the highlights and strengths of their various solutions. Winners of the competition receive a cash prize and feedback from the panel of expert judges. The highest-ranking team from a low- and middle-income country will gain registration to the Emory Morningside Global Health Case Competition in Atlanta, USA. Please note that the University of Melbourne will not fund travel or accommodation expenses associated with participation at Emory, but will assist in seeking funding support.

Competing students have found their experience in the Indo-Pacific Global Health Case Competition to be beneficial for exploring global health work, for developing their teamwork and leadership skills, and for building lasting networks.

Partner universities interested in participating can contact ipghcc-uom@unimelb.edu.au

For any questions regarding this competition, contact us at ipghcc-uom@unimelb.edu.au.