Think ยท GLS Institute

Clinical Development and Global Health

The GLS Institute generates the knowledge that informs better decisions, through research, publications, benchmark reports, policy analysis, and implementation science. Its work is published through GLS Insights and shapes how sponsors, governments, and institutions approach clinical development.

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What the Institute Does

Knowledge That Informs Decisions

The Institute is the Think pillar of the GLS enterprise. It creates knowledge; the Academy develops people; the Network connects the ecosystem; Solutions deliver the work.

Research Programs

Applied and implementation research on clinical development, health systems, and access in established and emerging markets.

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Scientific Affairs

Scientific leadership, advisory boards, and expert guidance informing programs and policy.

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Publications and White Papers

Evidence-based analysis, benchmark reports, and sponsor guidance published through GLS Insights.

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Innovation

Emerging methods, digital health, AI, and new operational models for clinical research.

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Featured Publications

The Future of Clinical Trials in Africa

The Future of Clinical Trials in Africa, Part I

Why Africa Matters: research ecosystems, scientific opportunity, and the future geography of healthcare.

In final review

The Future of Clinical Trials in Africa, Parts II and III

Continuing the three-part series on capability, investment, and the path to leadership in global health.

In final review

Sponsor Guide to Conducting Clinical Trials in Africa

A practical guide to regulatory pathways, site qualification, logistics, and operational planning.

In final review

Beyond the Traditional CRO

Why the future of clinical research requires an integrated ecosystem.

In final review

Quality Is Designed, Not Inspected

Building inspection-ready clinical research organizations.

In final review

The GLS Research Ecosystem Framework

Eight Dimensions of a Thriving Research Ecosystem

A thriving clinical research ecosystem is not defined by a single advantage, but by the strength and alignment of multiple interconnected elements.

Regulatory Readiness

Efficient, transparent, and harmonized regulatory pathways that enable research while protecting participants.

Scientific Capability

Investigators, institutions, and scientific leadership capable of delivering rigorous research.

Operational Infrastructure

Reliable sites, laboratories, logistics, and clinical operations systems that deliver quality at scale.

Digital Maturity

Digital tools, data readiness, and connectivity that accelerate trials and improve outcomes.

Workforce Capacity

A skilled, diverse, and empowered workforce driving innovation and clinical excellence.

Community Engagement

Trusting relationships with communities to ensure participation, relevance, and shared benefit.

Data and IP Governance

Responsible data management and protection of intellectual property to build trust and enable innovation.

Sustainability

Financial, environmental, and social sustainability ensuring long-term impact for future generations.

Infrastructure can be built. Systems can be implemented. But ecosystems are earned, through trust, consistency, and shared value.

GLS Institute

Work With the Institute

Collaborate on research, request a briefing, or be notified when publications are released.