Alexandra Buhl: Researching capacity strengthening for sustainable development

Tell us about your research

I specialize in capacity research, which is the science of capacity strengthening for sustainable development, where I focus on collaboration in global projects. I am currently working on the capacity development project Strengthening health professions education institutions in India and Kenya. It is part of the Partnership for Education of Health Professionals (PEP) initiative, which focuses on collaborating with a large number of Indian and Kenyan partners to enhance health professions education systems in order to address pressing challenges such as the rising burden of cardiometabolic diseases, healthcare workforce shortages, and underserved populations. I examine the team dynamics among the partners using qualitative methods, aiming to identify what works in the partnership process and what does not, for whom and in what contexts. Using the PEP project as a case, findings from my study will be relevant for other collaborative partnership projects within global health.

Why is this research important?

This research is important because collaboration and capacity strengthening are key to tackling today’s complex health challenges in an effective, equitable and sustainable way. Although many global health projects include capacity strengthening, research into how and why it works remains an emerging field. By studying team dynamics and uncovering effective collaboration strategies in global health partnerships and consortia, this research can contribute to building a robust evidence base to guide future projects and potentially enhance their long-term impact on health and health education systems.

In a world that sometimes seems to pull us apart, strong collaboration in global health is not just beneficial – it is essential.

What excites you about your work?

I am thrilled to explore the intersection of organizational psychology and global health. My academic background is in Psychology (MSc, University of Copenhagen, 2025), specialising in Work and Organisational Psychology, and next to my studies, I have pursued my interests in global health research. At the Global Health Section, I apply psychological insights to real-world global health projects, exploring the interpersonal and organizational factors that shape effective collaboration. My work builds on my master’s thesis on collaboration and power dynamics in global partnerships. It’s exciting to be part of projects that not only advance research but also contribute beneficially to health systems across the globe. I’m especially eager to study capacity development processes as they happen – a unique opportunity I’m looking forward to exploring. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years

In 10 years, I see myself thriving while working on interesting topics alongside people that inspire me. I’ll have completed my PhD in capacity research and deepened my understanding of collaborative processes within capacity development projects. I hope that the science of capacity development will have expanded with robust evidence guiding effective and equitable global health partnerships, and I envision being part of a large community of practice with other researchers and practicians advancing the field of capacity research. In that regard, I welcome fellow professionals interested in building a strong capacity strengthening network to reach out.

What advice do you have for junior researchers in global health?

Being a junior researcher myself, I can share what has worked for me so far. Throughout my studies in psychology, I branched out to find my path in extra-curricular activities, volunteer work and study jobs. To find these opportunities, I conducted online searches to explore who were engaged in research and projects that piqued my interests. Having been curious about global health and development for many years, I became part of a project at the Global Health Section, providing me the opportunity to try out if it was something for me. It was.

So, my biggest piece of advice is to follow your interests and try them out. Reach out to people doing the same thing you want to do and hear their experiences and/or see if they have opportunities where you can try it out. Sometimes it might not be right for you, but then you know. Finding out what’s not right is a step closer to finding what is.

What is your favourite source of global health inspiration and knowledge?

I find inspiration in other perspectives and situations to mine. My biggest source of that is through books and films, depicting another worldview or context from mine, allowing me to expand my worldview. 

Another big source of inspiration is sitting with my colleagues at lunch and hearing what the others are working on and sharing experiences. I am in awe of the passion my colleagues put into their work and what they do to overcome obstacles, be it interpersonal, operational or systemic, along the way. These sources of inspirations broaden my horizon and constantly remind me that global health is as much about people and stories as it is about data and research.