Global Health Policy Lab

Disaster Medical Science Division

Members

NOMURA Shuhei Professor

Research Activities

The Global Health Policy Lab. presents a new approach to confronting the complex health challenges facing our planet. We face a spectrum of threats ranging from antimicrobial resistance and emerging infectious diseases to the spread of non-communicable diseases stemming from unhealthy diets and humanitarian crises driven by conflict and climate change. These are compounded by emerging structural challenges that fundamentally threaten future health, including the fragility of the international development assistance architecture and the malicious use of AI. To navigate these issues, we require both a "high-resolution map" to accurately interpret the present and an "effective roadmap" to guide us toward a better future.

Our mission is to create both. Leveraging vast epidemiological research data, including from the world's largest studies, we visualize health challenges with unprecedented resolution. Based on this scientific evidence, we collaborate with governments and international organizations, both at home and abroad, to design and support the implementation of policy roadmaps that maximize impact.

We believe that intellectual inquiry realizes its true value only when it leads to societal transformation. It is from the dynamic interplay between theory and practice, data and policymaking, that the insights capable of moving the world are born. We warmly welcome the participation of those who aspire to become next-generation leaders and to make their mark on the global stage.

主な研究紹介

In the Global Health Policy Lab., we advance research projects centered on the following four pillars to address global health challenges from multiple perspectives and to seek solutions.

1. Global Burden of Disease & Policy Application
As the lead for the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study in Japan—a collaborative effort of over 10,000 researchers in more than 160 countries—we conduct detailed analyses of disease patterns and risk factors within the country. Our findings have provided the scientific basis for the evaluation of Japan's national health promotion plan, "Health Japan 21," and the formulation of its next iteration. The head of the lab also serves on the GBD Scientific Council, contributing to the development of international research strategies.

2. Global Health Diplomacy & ODA Strategy
We use data to assess whether official development assistance (ODA) from various countries is genuinely contributing to solving local health issues. Utilizing originally developed tools like the ODA visualization platform "VODA," we contribute to the formulation of Japan's ODA allocation strategies and its "Global Health Strategy". In collaboration with international partners such as the Gates Foundation, we seek more effective approaches to international health cooperation.

3. Health Security & Data-Driven PPR
We have extensive experience in health emergency and disaster risk management (EDRM), including verifying health risks to residents after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident and contributing to the subsequent revision of national disaster management guidelines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed and operated the "Excess Mortality Dashboard," leading the effort to monitor the mortality burden in real time. We also participate in the World Health Organization (WHO)'s global research network, contributing Japan's experience to worldwide pandemic response efforts.

4. Global Vision for Food & Nutrition
As a member of the Independent Expert Group for the Global Nutrition Report (GNR), one of the most authoritative independent bodies for evaluating and visualizing global nutrition policy, we are responsible for assessing progress on international nutritional challenges. We have drawn global attention to issues like high-sodium diets and nutritional imbalances, and our insights were reflected as key agenda items at the Tokyo Nutrition Summit and in the G7 Hiroshima Leaders' Communiqué. Through food and nutrition, we aim to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and extend healthy life expectancy.

■ Organization / Members