Dr. sc. hum Patricia Nayna Schwerdtle
Post doc Researcher at the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health at Heidelberg University, HCE member since 2021.
My key research questions are:
- How will climate change drive migration and displacement, and what are the health implications?
- How must the humanitarian sector adapt to a changing climate?
- How can health professional curricula evolve to prepare the next generation for climate-smart practice?
- How can we build climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems, particularly in LMICs and fragile or conflict-affected settings?
- How can we protect and strengthen academic freedom, viewpoint diversity, and constructive dissent in teaching and research?
Why I joined the HCE
To connect with researchers from different disciplines and explore new ways of working together. Tackling complex, wicked problems – like climate and environmental change – requires interdisciplinary perspectives. HCE offers a space to learn from others, share ideas, and develop innovative solutions beyond traditional academic boundaries.
My highlights so far
One of the most rewarding experiences with HCE has been my participation in the Collegio Futuro program. Over the course of a year, I had the opportunity to collaborate with early-career researchers from across Europe and across disciplines on a research project tackling climate change. This experience deepened my understanding of interdisciplinary teamwork, exposed me to diverse perspectives, and reinforced the value of cross-border collaboration in addressing global challenges.
My key partners
- University of Melbourne – School of Population Health, School of Geography and Climate Catch Lab
- Monash University FMNHS Australia
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – Doctors Without Borders
- Climate Action Accelerator
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Migration and Health, Climate Change and Health
- WHO ATACH – Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate Change and Health
- Stellenbosch University
- University of the Maldives
- IWR Heidelberg University
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH)