Frequently asked questions
Is ESSENCE a funding mechanism?
No, ESSENCE is not a funding mechanism nor a funding body. ESSENCE is an initiative that allows donor/funders to identify synergies, bring about coherence and increase the value of resources and actions for health research.
Who can get involved with ESSENCE, and how can they do so?
There are no formal criteria for participating organizations; ESSENCE is open to a broad range of agencies – primarily health research funding agencies – and also international health institutions, government research agencies, development agencies, philanthropists and multilateral initiatives.
These agencies may be from high-, middle- or low-income countries and, should recognize the need to work together in addressing research capacity needs as expressed by partner countries.
Interested parties should contact the ESSENCE Secretariat Coordinator via phone or email, outlining briefly why they wish to be involved with the ESSENCE initiative.
ESSENCE Secretariat Coordinator:
Dr Garry Aslanyan
Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) hosted at World Health Organization, Geneva
Telephone: (+41) 22 791 2591
E-mail: aslanyang@who.int
Can individuals get involved in ESSENCE?
There is no opportunity for contribution by individuals in the current structure of ESSENCE. However, individuals can encourage their organization (such as their institution) to get involved.
How is ESSENCE funded?
The basic core funding is currently provided by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) as a specific part of its support to TDR. Additionally, ESSENCE will be funded by participant organizations through different mechanisms on a voluntary basis.
Joint funding for projects and activities will be sought on a case-by-case basis, however individual ESSENCE projects can be sponsored by interested members.
Who is behind ESSENCE?
ESSENCE is managed by a small secretariat hosted at TDR in Geneva, Switzerland.
ESSENCE agencies are advised by a Steering Committee which provides external technical input into the planning, implementation and review of the biennial workplan and individual activities.
Further details of how ESSENCE operates and is financed
Is there a list of health research funders that can be used?
The World RePORT website https://worldreport.nih.gov/ provides an overview of funding.
The following website http://www.healthresearchfunders.org/ provides a good list of health research funders. While ESSENCE cannot independently confirm the information on this, many stakeholders found this information useful.
How can I make suggestions?
Please send any suggestions by phone or email to:
Dr Garry Aslanyan
Manager, Partnerships and Governance
World Health Organization/TDR
Telephone: (+41) 22 791 2591
E-mail: aslanyang@who.int
