GCTA | University of Leicester (UK) & University of Virginia (US)

The Global Challenge 

On both local and global scales, health inequalities—unfair, avoidable, and systematic differences in health outcomes across population groups—remain one of the defining challenges of the modern world. Despite significant scientific and societal progress over the past two centuries, disparities in life expectancy persist, particularly in socioeconomically deprived countries and communities. Non-communicable diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes are major contributors to death and disability worldwide, yet they do not receive the same sustained global urgency and coordinated resources as emerging infectious diseases. Advances in healthcare and health technologies, while beneficial to many, can also deepen structural inequities. Addressing these divides requires sustained international collaboration among clinicians, health policy leaders, and community advocates.

The Partnership Response

The University of Virginia–University of Leicester VE/COIL partnership positions students at the center of this challenge. Through structured international collaboration, students co-analyze health equity issues and develop shared responses to obesity, pharmaceutical management, and broader public health policy questions. Working across institutional and national contexts, they apply critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning to complex and evolving global scenarios. Students practice adaptive leadership—balancing competing priorities, navigating ambiguity, and facilitating equitable decision-making within multinational, interdisciplinary teams.

The module reflects the complementary missions of both institutions. The University of Virginia emphasizes the development of ethical citizen-leaders, while the University of Leicester seeks to educate “citizens of change” equipped to act inclusively, sustainably, and with positive global impact. Together, the instructional team designed a multi-week global non-communicable disease crisis simulation that immerses students in real-world policy complexity.

Simulation Design

• Students assume the role of national health advisors.
• Teams present recommendations to an AI Health Minister.
• Cross-national negotiation introduces evolving pressures.

In the simulation, students assume the role of national health advisors representing the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, or Australia. Working in cross-institutional teams, they analyze country-specific data, identify structural drivers of inequity, and formulate policy responses. Teams present recommendations to an AI Health Minister, negotiate with peer nations, and respond to emerging pressures that complicate decision-making and test trust. As the scenario evolves, students refine strategies, communicate across cultural contexts, and make ethically grounded decisions under uncertainty. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from health and social sciences, they translate theory into action—developing practical approaches to reducing inequity and improving population health outcomes.

Institutional Alignment

Collaboration between the institutional teams has been proactive and intellectually generative. While the courses and degree structures differ, the partners identified shared principles that anchor the module: evidence-informed analysis, ethical leadership, and global engagement. Aligning these principles within each institution’s curricular framework has strengthened the module’s design and supported its sustainable integration.

Long-term Vision

The team envisions this simulation becoming a cornerstone of both courses, deepening learning outcomes while attracting students through meaningful international engagement. Beyond the classroom, the partnership has expanded institutional perspectives on the possibilities of connected learning and provides a model for future collaboration in medicine, health policy, and related fields.