JH-IIRU and GRSP Lead a Two-Week Capacity-Building Course to Equip Road Safety Stakeholders with Tools for Impact
GRSLC 2025 attendees make their way to Cultural Night, held by the scenic Inner Harbor in Baltimore.
Since 2016, the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit (JH-IIRU) and the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) have proudly brought together road safety professionals from around the world through the Global Road Safety Leadership Course (GRSLC). Over the years, more than 1,000 participants from more than 80 countries have taken part in the program, gaining the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to lead and assist road safety efforts in their communities.
With vital support from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), the GRSLC continues to welcome a dynamic and diverse group of participants each year—professionals who bring technical expertise, curiosity, and a shared commitment to safer roads. The 2025 offering—the seventh held in Baltimore and 19th offering overall—brought together 61 participants from a wide range of countries and professional backgrounds in road safety.
Participants at the Bloomberg Philanthropies' HQ in New York City.
The two-week course featured a comprehensive curriculum, covering key topics such as behavioral change principles, road safety legislation and policy, road policing, communication in road safety, and major risk factors including drink driving. Participants also took part in two field visits: one to New York City for an inside look at Bloomberg Philanthropies and to learn about road infrastructure improvements across the city through a walking tour led by Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI), and another to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in Ruckersville, Virginia, where they witnessed a live crash test.
The 2025 offering aligned with the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week, centered on the theme of enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists. According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) , nearly 80% of assessed roads fall short of the minimum 3-star safety rating for pedestrians and cyclists. These statistics served as a striking reminder of the work ahead.
On the last day of the offering, Shannon Doocy, Director of the Health Systems Program at the Johns ÎÚŃ»´«Ă˝, emphasized the importance of evidence, advocacy, and leadership in advancing road safety around the world.
“I really do hope that going forward, evidence-based data, transparency, accountability, and investment in [health] systems are things that you will be able to lead in your countries,” she told the group. “We know that none of this can be done without advocacy and a public face, and leadership is also exceptionally critical for public awareness and cultural change.”
Recognizing the importance of building lasting connections and providing ongoing support, the GRSLC team launched the Alumni Fellowship Program in 2021. Each year, selected alumni are invited to join the year-long program designed to strengthen their leadership in road safety. Through personalized mentorship, project development, and strategic training, fellows implement initiatives in their countries, support GRSLC course delivery, and engage with a global network of peers.
A key highlight of the program is the project showcase in New York City, where fellows present their initiatives and participate in leadership development sessions at Bloomberg Philanthropies. Combined with learning opportunities at the Johns Hopkins Summer Institute, the fellowship offers an all-encompassing experience that blends research, practice, and leadership development.
GRSLC Alumni Fellows from cohort 2024-2025 outside the Bloomberg School.
Two fellows from the 2024–2025 cohort shared their reflections on how the program shaped their professional journeys and strengthened their work in road safety advocacy.
Gema Granados, from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) in Colombia, emphasized how the program boosted her confidence and deepened her commitment to addressing industry interference in policymaking.
“I have been enjoying a wonderful journey for the last 12 months as a fellow of the GRSLC. I have gained in this process a lot of confidence and willingness to continue researching industry interference in policymaking. I have contacted a lot of people working in this field, and I have conducted research that will be very helpful for the work we do in our country. I have counted on wonderful mentors, and I hope to continue working on this issue for the following months and years.”
Simon Kalolo, from Amend Tanzania, echoed the importance of mentorship and research support in shaping his work on road safety in Africa.
“During my time as a fellow, I enjoyed a lot of support from my mentors at JH-IIRU and GRSP, to enhance my research skills that will help me navigate the complexities of road safety in Tanzania, Africa and beyond.”
As road safety challenges continue to evolve in complexity, the GRSLC remains a platform for developing informed, capable leaders. By combining practical training, peer learning, and sustained mentorship, the program helps translate knowledge into action across diverse contexts. With continued investment and collaboration, the GRSLC community is positioned to contribute meaningfully to reducing road injuries and fatalities worldwide.