Universitas 21 Health Research Exchange Community of Practice (U21HREx CoP) is a virtual international knowledge translation and exchange network for students and early career researchers (ECRs) in Health and Social Care.  Since 2020, consisting of the University of Maryland (lead institution, USA), University of Birmingham (United Kingdom), University College Dublin (Ireland), and joined in 2026 University of Nottingham (United Kingdom), and University of Glasgow (United Kingdom), U21HREx CoP facilitates research and practice mentorship and professional development. 

Our network provides the opportunity to expand on local and international research, practice, and joint academic initiatives to strengthen U21 member institution connections and train the next generation of researchers to be healthcare leaders. U21HREx CoP has been highlighted in the U21 impact reports of 2021 and 2023, nominated for a U21 Team Award in 2024, and recognized by U21 Provost Jenny Dixon for collective impact and furthering the U21 network’s principles of internationalization.

Since 2022, U21HREx CoP has held virtual activities and in-person symposiums increasing academic and research collaboration, mentorship, and career development opportunities particularly for underrepresented students, ECRs, faculty, and staff across institutions. 

Visit the Universitas 21 website to learn more about U21HREx CoP and opportunities for students and early career researchers of member institutions.  

Visit our YouTube page to see highlights of our symposiums. 

U21HREx Contacts:

University of Maryland College Park: Lead Institution, Chair - Dr. Negin Fouladi, Department of Health Policy and Management: fouladi@umd.edu 

University of Birmingham Lead - Professor Mark Exworthy, Health Services Management Center: M.Exworthy@bham.ac.uk
University College Dublin Lead - Professor Kate Frazer,  School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems: kathleen.frazer@ucd.ie
University of Nottingham Lead - Dr. Nicola Fisher, Nottingham University Business School: Nicola.Fisher1@nottingham.ac.uk

University of Glasgow Lead - Professor Ellen Stewart, School of Social and Political Sciences: Ellen.Stewart@glasgow.ac.uk