Dr., M.Sc., M.Sc., M.A. Sandra Barteit
Research Group Leader at the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health at Heidelberg University, HCE member since 2024.
My key research questions focus on how climate change affects human health and how digital technologies can be leveraged to better understand, monitor, and respond to these impacts –particularly in low-resource settings. Specifically, I ask:
- How can wearable sensors and environmental data be integrated to detect early physiological responses to climate-related stressors (e.g. heat, air pollution)?
- What models and tools can support climate-resilient health systems in vulnerable regions?
- How can we translate real-time data into early warning systems for precision public health interventions?
These questions aim to bridge global health, environmental science, and digital innovation for more equitable climate adaptation strategies.
Why I joined the HCE
My primary motivation for joining HCE was to engage in interdisciplinary exchange on climate-related challenges and their societal impacts. My research focuses on understanding how climate change affects human health and on leveraging digital technologies to monitor individual-level health impacts. This aligns closely with HCE’s mission and provides a valuable foundation for advancing precision public health in the context of climate change.
My highlights so far
One particularly rewarding experience with the HCE has been connecting with researchers across disciplines working at the intersection of climate, environment, and health. HCE-led exchanges have helped refine my thinking on climate-sensitive health systems and digital innovation. Participating in COP through HCE has also been a key opportunity to engage with policy-makers and stakeholders and translate research into action.
My key partners
My key partners are colleagues at HCE and abroad who work on the intersection of climate change and health – including experts in environmental science, public health, digital innovation, and policy. The HCE serves as an excellent incubator for fostering these interdisciplinary collaborations and advancing integrated approaches to climate-related health challenges