NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

CGD’s first annual research conference on global lead exposure is one of three we plan to hold, in 2025, 2026, and 2027. It will bring together researchers, policymakers, and implementers working to stamp out global lead poisoning.

Lead-related research has never had such potential for immediate policy impact in the developing world. In September, USAID and UNICEF launched the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future (PLF), and have already secured $150 million to support lead mitigation efforts in developing countries. Lead exposure has huge reach and impact; high blood levels are found in a third of the world’s children, and we estimate that they account for a fifth of the learning gap between rich and poor countries.

But because this issue has received little attention in developing countries, there is a shortage of evidence for understanding and mitigating lead poisoning globally. Those who do work on the topic come from a range of disciplines, and may not always have the opportunity to connect with one another.

Over this day and a half conference, researchers across this field will present new, primary research on the sources and impacts of lead exposure in developing countries, as well as solutions to tackle it (researchers interested in presenting at the conference can apply using the form here). We’ll also hear from policymakers on how insights from research are being deployed, and the most urgent knowledge gaps remaining. More details on the format of the conference will be released closer to the date.

Join us to help translate research into action for a lead-free future.

Time: 1:00—5:00 PM ET | 2:00—10:00 PM GMT