Bitesize: Why is eating less salt important for heart health
Podcast
Chhavi Bhandari
Profile
Chhavi Bhandari is Co-Director, Impact & Engagement at The George Institute for Global Health, where she leads a global programme of advocacy and stakeholder engagement to maximise the impact of our health and medical research. Her work focuses on multilateral partnerships and advancing community engagement and involvement. She also serves as Community Engagement and Involvement Lead for the NIHR Global Health Research Centre on NCDs and Environmental Change, co-chairs the WHO NCD Lab on Women and Girls, and contributes to global health policy through WHO civil society groups. With an MBA and international healthcare experience across India, the UK, Australia, and beyond, Chhavi brings a globally informed yet locally grounded approach to advancing equitable health systems.
About us
OUR MISSIONTo improve the health of millions of people worldwide.
At The George Institute, we believe everyone has the right to a healthy life. We are a research organisation that finds solutions to some of the world's biggest health challenges.
With major centres in Australia, the UK, China, and India, and over 400 active projects in more than 60 countries, we work with partners and communities across the world to conduct rigorous, high-quality research to make a real difference to people’s health, particularly those facing the most barriers.
From pioneering clinical trials to transformative digital health innovations, translating evidence into scalable solutions, shaping health policies and advocating for change, we’re focused on a future where health equity is a reality, not just an aspiration.
At the heart of our mission to improve the health of millions worldwide is a belief in the power of change. Together, we’re building a healthier, more just world.
Members of
Emerging thought leaders - 2024 cohorts
Our emerging thought leaders are passionate about driving change and taking on current challenges to improve health worldwide. As early and mid-career professionals, they offer new perspectives and innovative ideas to push boundaries and make advancements in health research, treatments and policy. Meet our emerging thought leaders and discover how they are making meaningful change.
2024 Cohort
Alice WittResearch and Policy Fellow, The George Institute for Global HealthMore info about Alice WittResaercg and Policy Fellow, The George Institute for Global HealthAlice Witt is a Research and Policy Fellow based in the UK office. She works on the MESSAGE (Medical Science Sex and Gender Equity) project, a policy initiative to improve how biomedical, health and care research accounts for sex and gender. Through this work, she engages with stakeholders across the UK research sector to co-design key policy documents and support research funders to implement new sex and gender policies. The
Governance
Ensuring excellence and integrity
The George Institute is committed to the highest governance standards, ensuring our work is transparent, accountable, and impactful. Our governance framework guides our global operations and supports our mission to improve the health of millions of people worldwide.
Governance at The George Institute is built on strong policies, clear accountability, and dynamic leadership. We maintain quality and integrity in everything we do, with a framework that ensures ethical practices and compliance. Our governance structure supports effective decision-making and strategic growth while building trust with our stakeholders.
The George Institute for Global Health Sydney office
Board of DirectorsOur Board of Directors comprises accomplished leaders from diverse fields who bring knowledge, vision, and oversight to our organisation.Learn more
Executive Team LeadersOur executive team drives the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of The George I
Board of directors
The George Institute's Board of Directors provides the leadership and expertise needed to guide our mission forward. With deep experience across health, research, and governance, they are dedicated to advancing global health equity through strategic initiatives and innovative programs. Their vision and commitment ensure we continue to make a meaningful, lasting impact on millions of lives worldwide.
our board of directors
Our peopleMeet the people driving global health change at The George Institute who are shaping impactful solutions for a healthier world.
Learn more about our people
Distinguished Fellows
Our Distinguished Fellows are leading health researchers, policymakers and advocates who offer us invaluable experience and knowledge on global health concerns. With their insights, we can confidently shape our initiatives to address complex health issues, from practicality to policy. Meet our Distinguished Fellows and learn how they are guiding us towards effective, evidence-based health solutions.
Dr. Cara TannenbaumDistinguished Fellow, The George Institute for Global HealthMore info about Dr. Cara TannenbaumDistinguished Fellow, The George Institute for Global HealthDr Cara Tannenbaum is a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the Université de Montreal. Cara works with researchers, governments, universities and stakeholders interested in gender, sex and health research to set priorities, identify implementation opportunities, build partnerships and translate research evidence to improve the health of all. As well as being a former Scientific Director of the Canadian Institute of Healt
Our people
Making impacts through our people
At The George Institute, people are at the heart of everything we do. Our work is driven by the knowledge, passion, and dedication of our people. From world-class researchers to global collaborators, we work together to create real-world solutions that transform health systems, improve lives, and advance equity across the globe.
Our team includes researchers, operational experts, and global collaborators who work to amplify insights, translate evidence into action, and build pathways from research to policy implementation.
By working with external thought leaders, policymakers, and advocates, our work drives impactful change for those who need it most.
A GeorgeTalks seminar discussing our partnership with UNSW Sydney
The George Institute Thought Leaders 2025 cohortEmerging Thought Leadership ProgramOur Emerging Thought Leadership Program invests in our rising talent, giving early and mid-career professionals the opportunity to make a diff
Our affiliates, multilateral relationships and advocacy networks
Collaboration is key to delivering impactful global health solutions. We work alongside trusted affiliates, partners, multilateral and advocacy networks to amplify our efforts. Together, we combine expertise, advocate for health equity, and create sustainable improvements for communities worldwide.
our affiliates
UNSW SydneyLearn moreMore info about UNSW SydneyUNSW Sydney, located in Sydney, was established in 1949 with a unique focus on the scientific, technological and professional disciplines. UNSW is committed to making a difference by focusing on areas critical to the future. Pioneering research and sustained innovation are addressing some of the most important issues of today – from climate change and renewable energies to lifesaving medical treatments and breakthrough technologies. In the social sciences, UNSW research informs policy and expert commentary in issues facing society, ranging from human rights and constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians to public heal
Executive leadership team
Our Executive Leadership Team is a dynamic group of professionals united by a shared commitment to innovation, integrity, and impact. Drawing on diverse expertise across health, research, and operations, they play a vital role in driving our mission forward. Together, they ensure that we deliver on our goals to improve global health and build stronger, healthier communities.
Our policies
We believe that strong policies are essential for ethical and effective operations, particularly in health initiatives. Each policy reflects our commitment to safeguarding those we work with, promoting sustainability, and upholding our core values. These guidelines ensure that every action we take fosters trust, safety, and positive change.
DisclaimerLearn about the terms of use for our website, including how we handle copyright, user-generated content, and third-party links, as well as our liability policies.Learn more
Data sharing policyFind out how we responsibly share research data, including access requirements, privacy protection measures, and collaboration guidelines.Learn more
Modern slavery statementSee how we prevent modern slavery across our operations and supply chains through strict due diligence, training, and ongoing risk assessments.Learn more
PHS awards financial COI policyLearn how we manage and disclose financial conflicts in PHS-funded research to
Privacy policy
About us
The George Institute for Global Health, together with its subsidiaries and associated companies worldwide (“The George Institute”, “we” and “our”) is committed to handling personal information (including health and other sensitive information) in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including the Australian Privacy Principles (“APPs”) set out in the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), and, where relevant, the EU General Data Protection Regulation ((EU 2016/679)(GDPR), or the retained version of the GDPR as it forms part of the law of England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland by virtue of section 3 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 as amended by Schedule 1 to the Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments, etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/419) (UK GDPR) A reference to personal information includes “personal data” as defined in the GDPR and/or UK GDPR (as applicable).&nbs