Hosting research

Within the last decade in general, and the last couple of years in particular, there is a nascent movement within the research community - one that questions where research conferences are held, and who gets to participate. This is particularly true in global and public health, and development related conferences that are built on global research networks and partnerships. While a substantial amount of work presented at these conferences is done in low and middle income countries, the venues are largely in high income countries that often deny visas to researchers from poorer countries. Within the last couple of years, this issue has become particularly acute as visa policies in the US, Canada and Europe have become increasingly stringent and visa delays have become routine. Conference participants are asking the obvious question - how can we talk about HIV in Africa, if African researchers are denied entry to the conference?

Addressing this issue, a number of countries have tried to fill the gap and have started to regularly host large research conferences. A number of research communities that I am involved in now often discuss Turkey, Rwanda, Morrocco and Colombia as possible alternatives to conferences in the west. Pakistan does host research conferences, but the number of truly global conferences happening in Pakistan is significantly lower than its peers.

I have often wondered what it would take for Pakistan to step forward, not just because there is a particular opportunity at this time, but because we have several things going for us. Conference participants often like to visit local historical sites, and there are plenty that may attract them in Pakistan. Outstanding food and an extraordinarily hospitable community are a huge plus as well. So is the fact that there is a real appetite among our students to engage with global scholars and a desire to learn from them. There are, of course, many things that are not going in our favour. The summer weather is not a crowd puller. Not all cities have the ability to host large research conferences, and essential infrastructure (conference venues, robust internet, ease of travel) is of better quality in some cities than others. But the situation in other countries that are stepping up (Rwanda, Colombia, Morrocco) is not perfect either. Ultimately, what enables countries to host conferences, regularly, is a combination of both a top-down and a bottom-up approach. Top-down in the sense of support from relevant ministries to ensure ease of getting visa, active interest in hosting, and providing financial support where necessary. And bottom-up commitment means that local universities, research institutions and researchers have to be vested in hosting conferences that are of the highest quality, inclusive, rigorous and well-organised. Things have to run on time, and everyone has to be treated with dignity and respect. Global health conferences often discuss difficult and uncomfortable topics and we have to be ready to face them and engage with them the seriousness they deserve. Issues in infectious diseases are often as much about disease as they are about injustice and prejudice. We have to be ready to hear those stories.

I recognise that there is a certain perception about security in Pakistan - and many of us have tried to fight that in our own small circles. But in my experience, researchers who work in global health or humanitarian action or global development are not bothered by these perceptions. They are used to working in complex and fragile environments. Pakistan is not on their radar because a strong case has never been made about all that it can offer. I know this takes time and much groundwork is needed, but there is a recognition that the global research conference culture needs to change and we have something to offer. Ultimately, it may benefit us as much as it will benefit others. Well-organised, thoughtful global research conferences may not kickstart our ailing research sector, but it can certainly inspire many within us and allow us to learn from others while they also learn from us.