Climate CATCH Lab designated as the WHO Collaborating Centre for Climate and Health

The Climate CATCH Lab  at the University of Melbourne has marked a significant milestone in global climate and health leadership with the designation of the Climate CATCH Lab as a new World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Climate and Health Research, Policy and Action for 2026–2030.

Led by Professor Kathryn Bowen, the Climate CATCH Lab has worked closely with WHO for many years to advance evidence, policy and action on the health impacts of climate change. The new designation recognises the Lab’s longstanding contribution to climate and health research and its role in supporting countries across the Western Pacific region.

At a high-level event attended by leaders from government, academia and international organisations, speakers celebrated this collaboration and highlighted climate change as one of the defining health challenges of our time and emphasised the importance of strong partnerships in driving meaningful action.

Working alongside the WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health, the Collaborating Centre will support capacity building, climate and health policy development, access to climate finance, and major international initiatives including the Lancet Commission on Sea Level Rise, Health and Justice.

The designation strengthens the University of Melbourne’s contribution to regional and global efforts to build climate-resilient, sustainable and equitable health systems, while reinforcing the central role of health in climate action.

If you wish to get in touch to discuss any of our work or future collaboration opportunities, please contact:

Hannah Morrice, Coordinator: hannah.morrice@unimelb.edu.au and cc climate-catchlab@unimelb.edu.au