Leprosy Mailing List – November 5, 2026
Ref.: (LML) Introducing LRI's Multi-Annual Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and Workshop on Research Dissemination and Policy Translation
From: Leprosy Research Initiative, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Introducing LRI’s Multi-Annual Strategic Plan 2026-2029
The Leprosy Research Initiative has launched its new Multi-Annual Strategic Plan (2026-2029), setting out an ambitious roadmap to strengthen research, build capacity, and accelerate the translation of evidence into action.
What's new?
The new strategy strengthens four important priorities that will cut across all funded research:
- Leprosy Plus
Encouraging research that recognises the interconnected realities of leprosy, other NTDs, disabilities, and broader public health challenges. - Integration
Supporting evidence on how leprosy services can be effectively delivered through wider health systems while maintaining quality and accessibility. - Translation
Promoting stronger pathways from research findings to implementation, policy development, and real-world impact. - Cost-Effectiveness
Addressing an important evidence gap by encouraging studies that assess value for money and inform resource allocation decisions.
Research priority themes
Over the coming years, LRI will invest in research focused on:
- Diagnostics, transmission, and prophylaxis
- Leprosy complications
- Stigma, discrimination, and mental well-being
- Health systems
Why this matters
Despite significant progress, important challenges remain for a world free from leprosy and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
By supporting high-quality, operationally relevant research and strengthening local research leadership, LRI aims to ensure that evidence directly contributes to better policies, stronger programmes, and improved outcomes for those most affected.
We look forward to working with researchers, policymakers, people affected by leprosy, and partners across the global health community to bring this strategy to life.
Read more about the LRI Multi-Annual Strategic Plan (2026-2029) on our website and explore the updated research priorities.
From research findings to real-world impact
Research can only achieve its full potential when findings are used to inform decisions, improve programmes, and influence policy. With this in mind, LRI recently organised a Research Dissemination and Policy Translation Workshop in New Delhi, India, for LRI researchers working in leprosy and related neglected tropical diseases.
The workshop was designed to help participants strengthen their skills in identifying target audiences, tailoring research messages, engaging policymakers, and communicating evidence through compelling storytelling.
One of the key lessons that emerged was that effective communication requires more than sharing data. Researchers must understand who they are trying to reach, what information those audiences need, and how evidence can be presented in a way that encourages action.
Throughout the workshop, participants developed practical dissemination products, including policy briefs, advocacy materials, and success stories. They also created dissemination action plans and identified concrete next steps for increasing the uptake of their research.
Beyond the technical skills acquired, participants highlighted the value of peer learning and the opportunity to exchange experiences with colleagues working in different countries and contexts.
The workshop aligns closely with LRI's strategic commitment to strengthening research capacity and supporting the translation of knowledge into policy and practice.
As participants returned to their institutions and projects, the focus now shifts from planning to implementation. LRI looks forward to seeing how the skills, tools, and commitments developed during the workshop help ensure that research findings contribute to tangible improvements for people affected by leprosy and related neglected tropical diseases.
Research generates evidence. Effective communication turns evidence into impact.
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LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder
LML blog link: http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/
Contact: Dr Pieter Schreuder << edit...@gmail.com
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