The world today is an increasingly interconnected one as a result of global changes which have intensified in recent decades. Global changes include the movement of populations, goods and services, capital, and ideas and information in ways that cross and even transcend geographical borders (known as globalisation); as well as environmental changes that are global in nature, such as climate change and desertification.

The Centre on Global Change and Health is a cross-departmental initiative that brings together staff and students from a wide range of disciplines to contribute to the School's rapidly growing body of research on globalisation, environmental change and health.

In November 2006 Centre on Global Change and Health was designated the WHO Collaborating Centre.