Partnerships to drive change: Margie Peden appointed Deputy Chair of the Road Traffic Injuries Research Network

It is a momentous time for The George Institute for Global Health’s Global Injury Research Programme.

Earlier this month, a new toolkit to combat risk of road traffic injury to children on school journeys was launched by the Child Health Initiative at the World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion in Bangkok. It provides practical, evidence-based guidance on how to implement accessible, affordable solutions to reduce these risks. The George Institute and the FIA Foundation developed the resource alongside Child Health Initiative partners.

So too, we shared news that The George Institute has been designated a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre in Injury Prevention and Trauma Care. Through this centre, we will be able to measure and deliver effective strategies for prevention and care that are both affordable and accessible.

And, last Sunday, Dr Margie Peden, Head of our Global Injury Program, remembered the many tragic victims of road traffic injury, underscoring how the program is prioritising collaboration, partnership and profiling to help save countless young lives in the future. 

Which is why news that Dr Peden has been appointed Deputy Chair of the Road Traffic Injuries Research Network (RTIRN) is most welcome. Dr. Olive Kobusingye, Makere University School of Public Health is Chair.

The George Institute has been a pioneering partner of the network, with our Executive Director, Professor Robyn Norton appointed the first ever Chair of RTIRN. The network comprises 1733 researchers, professionals and students from different disciplines and sectors from 124 countries whose interests focus on road safety in low- and middle-income countries.

Reflecting on her appointment, Dr Peden said: “I am delighted to be assuming this role at the RTIRN; a partnership responding to the urgent need for dissemination and promotion of research-driven interventions and capacity-building at the local level to reduce the burden of road traffic injuries in low- and middle-income countries.”

The objectives of the network closely align with those of our Global Injury Program, which is focused on identifying and testing cost-effective programs to reduce the global burden of injury, influence policy, and scale up proven programs for sustainable change. Congratulations, Margie!

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