The Lancet Countdown is developing a new Regional Centre for South Asia, which will be led by two joint co-Directors, or by one Director and one Vice-Director and supported by their host institution(s). This new Centre will initially have a regional focus on India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

This post provides the opportunity for recognised academic leaders in South Asia to steer the direction of the Lancet Countdown’s research in the region, to expand the regional representation within the Global Lancet Countdown activities, and to inform a health-centred response to climate change that takes into account the needs, knowledge and opportunities of South Asian people.

Applications should be sent to info@lancetcountdown.org (find further information below). Applications will close on 30 November at 23.30 GMT – we’re looking forward to hearing from you!

To learn more about these positions, please contact Dr Clare Scully, Head of Operations at f the Lancet Countdown, at c.scully@ucl.ac.uk.

Background

The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change is an independent, international, multidisciplinary research collaboration enabled by funding and strategic support from the Wellcome Trust. It brings together almost 300 researchers across the globe, to track the world’s response to climate change and monitor the associated health implications via more than 50 indicators built on the latest science.

The Lancet Countdown has regional centres in Africa, Asia (China focus), Europe, Latin America, Oceania, and Small Island Developing States. These centres are led by local researchers, to promote in-depth regional assessments of the links between health and climate change, and contribute to fostering health-centred climate change action in their region. Each Centre includes a regional secretariat, and is led by the Regional Director(s), coordinating the research activities, and engaging in national and regional policy processes.

The Lancet Countdown is developing a new Regional Centre for South Asia, which will be led by two joint co-Directors, or by one Director and one Vice-Director and supported by one or more host institutions with the capacity and commitment to support the Regional Centre’s establishment, ongoing activities, and long-term development as a regional centre of excellence for climate change and health research. This new Centre will initially have a regional focus on India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Centre and leadership structure

The Lancet Countdown is now inviting applications from established and well-recognised researchers to direct the centre. Individuals may apply individually or in pairs, indicating the preferred leadership structure. Given the geographical scope of the Centre and the importance of regional representation, leadership pairs comprising applicants from different countries, particularly India and Nepal, are strongly encouraged. The appointment panel will give favourable consideration to proposals that demonstrate how a shared leadership model can strengthen regional reach, collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and operational delivery across South Asia.

Applicants may propose a range of leadership arrangements, including Co-Directors with equal responsibilities, Co-Directors with differentiated portfolios, or a Director/Vice-Director model. The appointment panel will consider the proposed leadership structure, distribution of responsibilities, and collective expertise as part of its assessment.

The successful Director(s) will join the Lancet Countdown’s Governance Structure, and will be supported in their role by the Regional Chair, Prof Soumya Swaminathan, who will provide strategic guidance, enhance regional visibility, and contribute senior leadership to the Centre.

The South Asia Regional Centre co-Director will receive funding to support Centre development and activities initially to 30th of April 2028, with possibility of extension until April 2029.

Role and responsibilities

The Director(s) will have the following responsibilities:

• Convene and lead the regional academic collaboration, including by appointment and supporting the work of WG leads;
• Lead and oversee the delivery of the strategic direction of the Regional Centre, including its public representation and evidence translation activities;
• Lead the Regional Centre‘s secretariat and manage the Centre’s budget;
• Represent the Regional Centre in the Lancet Countdown’s governing bodies, including the Directors Group and the Academic Steering Committee.

Further detail is available in the full role description.

Application process

If you are interested in applying, please take a close look at the full role description, and submit a CV, a one-page cover letter, and a letter of support from your host institution to info@lancetcountdown.org by 30 November 2026 at 23.30 GMT.  Please see the full role description for further details of what should be included in the CV, cover letter, and letter of support.

Members of the Lancet Countdown’s Board, Director’s Group, Global Secretariat and Academic Steering Group will be invited to evaluate the applications, and help select the future director(s) for the Regional Centre. Note that by sending your application to info@lancetcountdown.org, you are agreeing to your application being shared with individuals in the bodies mentioned above.