CHANGE Research Center is a non-political, non-profit research hub dedicated to protecting communities from the health impacts of climate change. We bring together scientists, data experts, and local partners to turn complex evidence into practical tools that decision-makers can use.
Based in Benin and working with regional and global collaborators, we focus on climate and health risks that are already affecting people today. Our work spans early warning systems, pathogen and contaminant surveillance, and policy-relevant research that helps governments and communities prepare, adapt, and thrive.
About CHANGE
Our Vision
A world where resilient healthcare systems and evidence-based strategies ensure that every community is protected from the intertwined challenges of climate change and emerging diseases.
Vision, Mission & Core Values
Our Mission
To bridge the gap between scientific research and actionable health policies by co-creating local tools, advancing genomics surveillance, and advocating for gender equity in global health resilience.
Our Core Values
=> Collaboration: Partnering for global health security.
=> Equity & Inclusion: Prioritizing gender and community participation.
=> Scientific Integrity: Data-driven excellence in research.
“Science matters most when it changes lives. At CHANGE, we observe and listen first, co-create with communities, and turn evidence into action that people can feel – through safer water, fewer infections, and proactive measures for climate resilience. Training the next generation in pathogen genomics, environmental monitoring and participatory research is at the core of our actions.”
Dr. Gildas Hounmanou,
Associate Professor
President & CEO, CHANGE
Gender Equality & Inclusion
We uphold the highest standards of gender equity and inclusive participation, fostering a secure, supportive workspace for everyone involved. Our dedicated Gender Equality Plan (GEP) fundamentally shapes our organizational ethos, hiring strategies, leadership growth, and collaborative research frameworks.
Public Commitment
Our Gender Equality Plan is formally endorsed by top management and made publicly available through this website.
Dedicated Resources
CHANGE assigns responsibility for gender and inclusion implementation within its leadership and project structures, and will engage relevant expertise where needed.
Monitoring, Training & Gender in Research
We collect and review sex-disaggregated data on participation, roles, and leadership, and use indicators to monitor progress over time. We promote awareness on gender equality, inclusion, and unconscious bias through internal orientation, training, and capacity-building. We integrate gender considerations into research and innovation wherever relevant, especially in work on climate health, infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, environmental exposure, and community vulnerability.
Safe Working Environment
CHANGE maintains zero tolerance for discrimination, gender-based violence, and sexual harassment, and is committed to respectful and equitable collaboration.