CHESS - Centre for Health Systems Strengthening
CHESS is a multi-disciplinary group using research and teaching to strengthen health systems and to improve health and well-being amongst the poorest and marginalised in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). The Ebola and Zika epidemics have highlighted the importance of strong, resilient health systems for public health and the need for fresh, context-specific research on the subject.
Health systems research at LSTM has long played a leading role in generating knowledge that has improved and promoted health and well-being amongst the poorest and marginalised in LMICs. Our health systems research takes both a systems- and a people-centred approach, concerned with the complex interactions within health systems in order to provide evidence for improving the functioning, equity and effectiveness of the system as a whole.
By strengthening and strategically expanding high quality health systems research and teaching, both within LSTM and with the best global partners, CHESS aims to better share skills, synthesise learning, reduce duplication and influence policy.
Our members
CHESS brings together researchers with extensive expertise in several health systems building blocks such as health workforce strengthening, information and evidence, health financing and governance and the relationships between them, as well as cross-cutting concerns such as capacity strengthening, community health and gender equity.
Our work benefits from the multi-disciplinary nature of our team, made up of global experts in their fields. We are linked by our common systems approach and a commitment to social justice, equity, capacity building, trusting partnerships and research for public health impact.
We also share impressive track records in attracting funding, and together are currently recipients of grants well in excess of £50 million. These and other projects are featured below.
Outputs and resources
Over the last 30 years we have been involved in research that has directly informed policy and improved health systems in LMICs.
A selection of recent outputs and resources can be found here
CHESS doctoral students
All of our success is reliant upon our established and trusting working relationships with strategic southern partners who have been critical to winning grants, delivering research and maximising impact. Allied to this is the input of our growing staff body of researchers, programme managers and PhD students.
A list of current doctoral students can be found here
Health Systems Global Conference 2018
The team’s reputation and reach was further enhanced by the HSR2018 conference which we hosted, enabling LSTM to raise its global profile and consolidate its position as an internationally-recognised centre for HSR.
Working with us
While focusing on health systems, we also work with other health disciplines and non-health actors including education and community-based organisations.
We welcome expressions of interest from potential collaborators, both within and outside the health systems arena.
Contact us
The group is keen to hear from potential collaborators.
Dr Joanna Raven – Coordinator [Joanna.Raven@lstmed.ac.uk] +44 (0)151 705 3235
Jan Randles - Administrator [Jan.Randles@lstmed.ac.uk] +44 (0)151 705 3269
