Steps Forward: Advancing Research in a Challenging Landscape

At CBHRI, we believe that scientific research must be relevant, accessible, and beneficial to the region in which it is conducted. Since our founding in 2016, we have worked with determination and limited resources to build a foundation for biomedical and public health research in the Dutch Caribbean, a region where research capacity and funding access remain limited due to systemic barriers faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

These challenges have been consistently highlighted by global health organizations, such as the WHO and PAHO, as critical constraints to advancing health equity and research in SIDS. These include geographic isolation, small population size, low statistical capacity, underrepresentation in global research programmes, and heightened vulnerability to climate-related health threats.

Despite these realities, we continue to move forward,  “step by step”,  driven by purpose, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening Caribbean health and scientific resilience.

• Built a multidisciplinary research programme across five core domains: virology, immunology, oncology, epidemiology, and Social sciences.
• Laid the groundwork for regional research infrastructure, through partnerships, pilot projects, and cross-border knowledge exchange.
• Established long-term collaborations with institutions in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe.

• Built a multidisciplinary research programme across five core domains: virology, immunology, oncology, epidemiology, and Social sciences.
• Laid the groundwork for regional research infrastructure, through partnerships, pilot projects, and cross-border knowledge exchange.
• Established long-term collaborations with institutions in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe.