Who we are
A global network being built at the intersection of implementation science and data science — deliberately anchored in implementation science so it remains relevant across technology generations.
Anchored in implementation, powered by data
Data science — including AI and machine learning applied to health systems — is transforming what is possible in health research. But technologies change; the challenge of getting evidence into practice endures. NEXUS is established at the intersection of the two fields, anchored deliberately in implementation science so that the network remains relevant no matter how the technology moves.
“The network anchors in implementation science, not in a specific AI technology — and therefore remains relevant as the technology moves.”
The network launches through a 12-month international research priority-setting exercise (eDelphi), culminating in its first Global Research Agenda. The exercise doubles as the network's launch: Delphi panellists may become the founding membership, and the founding General Assembly ratifies both the agenda and the initial governance structure.
Founding commitments
- Open agenda-setting — the first Delphi round is open item generation, with no pre-specified domains and pre-registered methods (OSF).
- Geographic equity — at least 30% of the expert panel from low- and middle-income countries, across six or more WHO regions.
- Multilingual by default — core activities and outputs in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
- Early-career leadership — every working group co-chaired by an early-career and a senior investigator.
- Community voice — lived-experience representation on the Executive Committee, not in an advisory silo.
Five pillars for the first three years
The network's strategic plan is organised around five pillars with measurable three-year commitments, reviewed annually by the General Assembly.
1. Scientific agenda
Produce and maintain the Global Research Agenda, publish the consensus methodology and results in a leading journal, and commission working-group-led research outputs.
2. Equity & representation
Minimum LMIC representation across all leadership tiers, LMIC lead authorship on the consensus paper, translation of all core outputs, and community representation in governance.
3. Capability building
An annual methods school attached to the General Assembly, and targeted mentorship pairing senior network members with early-career LMIC researchers.
4. Partnerships & influence
Formal partnerships with scientific societies, multilateral agencies, and major funders — working toward the network's priorities shaping funder agendas and global health policy.
5. Sustainability
A durable institutional hosting arrangement and a mixed funding model, with full fee waivers for LMIC and community-based members.
How the network is organized
NEXUS uses a tiered membership structure with an annual General Assembly, designed so that geographic equity, early-career participation, and community voices are embedded in the network's architecture from the start.
Executive Committee
Led by the co-chairs, with members selected for disciplinary breadth — implementation science, data science, AI ethics, health systems, community voice — and geographic balance. Holds final decisions on the research agenda, working groups, and partnerships. Meet the committee →
Country & partner leads
Named leads for each participating country and formal institutional partner, giving geographic and institutional channels equal governance weight. The first cohort will be announced at the public launch.
Working groups & members
Research working groups form around the consensus priority domains from the Delphi. Open membership is free during the founding year — every member attaches to at least one working group.
The annual General Assembly receives the co-chairs' report, ratifies strategic priorities, elects open leadership positions, and hosts the network's scientific programme.
Help set the agenda
The Global Research Agenda will be built by the community that joins now. Register your interest in the Delphi panel or founding membership.
Join the Network