Globalization, or the increased interconnectedness and interdependence of people and countries, is generally understood to include two interrelated elements: the opening of borders to increasingly fast flows of goods, services, finance, people and ideas across international borders; and the changes in institutional and policy regimes at the international and national levels that facilitate or promote such flows.

Health issues that transcend national boundaries include environmental degradation and climate change, inequality and lifestyle changes, access to medicines and health knowledge, diseases affecting the aging population as well as new and re-emerging diseases. One area of concern is that access to healthcare and medicines is still a problem in many developing countries.

On a positive note though, global communications technology and scientific collaborations have helped to increase scientific and technological knowledge-sharing for the development of medicines, vaccines and medical appliances, enabling the research into and development of new forms of treatment and prevention.

In her talk DR Subramanian will discuss her research on neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Motor neurone disease. She will highlight how important international exchanges are in my area of work with some examples of international cooperation in the context of Globalisation and Interdependence. She will also briefly touch upon some national policies that may positively or adversely affect such cooperation.