British Universities lacked engagement in ensuring access to health technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic

Members of UAEM UK and UAEM NL published a peer-reviewed article in the Journal Global Public Health about the  COVID-19 technologies licensing practices of 35 British universities between 2019 and 2023. Global Public Health publishes research into public health, health access and global health policies, development, inequalities and management. The UAEM members concluded “Despite a time-limited increase in non-exclusive licensing of COVID-19 health technologies at the height of the pandemic, there was a lack of systemic change in university policies for technology transfer, and limited to no engagement with international mechanisms to promote equitable access. Universities can promote global equitable access to health technologies by publishing clear technology transfer policies, attaching conditions to technology transfer agreements, increasing transparency, and engaging with non-exclusive licensing mechanisms, now and in future health emergencies.