About the International Health Research Institute (IHRI)
The International Health and Research Institute (IHRI) is a pioneering institution dedicated to transforming healthcare and addressing critical global challenges through collaborative and interdisciplinary innovation. We are proudly licensed (Licence No. 2025-004) by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority, offering rigorous postgraduate programmes digitally at MQF/EQF Levels 7 & 8, with a strategic vision for expanded educational impact.
Our Unique Approach: The Collective Hive Mind
At the core of IHRI’s identity is a commitment to breaking down traditional academic silos and fostering a “collective hive mind.” This unique approach is designed not only to advance knowledge in the burgeoning field of space health but also to translate extraterrestrial insights and technologies into tangible improvements for healthcare on Earth, and to address complex issues across diverse human and planetary systems. Our ‘why’ is rooted in the belief that the most profound discoveries happen at the intersection of disciplines, through a unique partnership between the student as an inquirer, our faculty as mentors and advisors, and industry as a vital collaborator.
Empowering Our Community
This innovative ecosystem is meticulously designed to provide a stimulating and empowering experience for everyone involved:
For Students: We offer the freedom to delve deep into your passions and specializations, supported by a framework that values exploration and practical application over rigid, one-size-fits-all curricula. Our goal is not just to impart knowledge, but to cultivate practitioners who can transform their practice, their communities, and the broader health industry.
For Faculty and Researchers: IHRI provides a collaborative environment free from the bureaucratic constraints of traditional academia. We are actively assembling a team of like-minded educators passionate about mentoring the next generation of health innovators and contributing to the evolution of both terrestrial and space health. The emphasis is on collaborative research and facilitating a dynamic learning experience, rather than lecture-based instruction.
For Organisations and Companies: IHRI presents a unique opportunity to collaborate on cutting-edge research and development. By partnering with the institute, industry leaders gain access to a vibrant ecosystem of passionate researchers, dedicated students, and a “collective hive mind” approach to problem-solving. This collaborative model is designed to accelerate innovation, translating research into real-world applications that can benefit both terrestrial healthcare and the challenges of human space exploration, alongside new global and environmental challenges.
Our Postgraduate Programmes
IHRI’s unique postgraduate programmes serve as a launchpad into the future of health. The Doctorate in Health Science is designed for practitioners seeking to become leaders and innovators in their fields. Complementing this, our Master’s in Space Health and Human Factors is one of the few programs globally that makes the specialized knowledge of space medicine accessible to a broad range of health practitioners. The focus on a cooperative partnership ensures that students are not passive recipients of information but active participants in their educational journey and the advancement of their chosen field.
Beyond Programmes: A Research and Development Institute
While our postgraduate programmes are a vital facet of our ecosystem, IHRI is fundamentally a research and development institute. We are calling on those who share our passion for a new frontier in health and beyond to join us in this exciting endeavor. Together, we can push the boundaries of knowledge and make a lasting impact on the health of humanity, both on Earth and beyond.
Our Vision
To be a trusted partner for applied research and innovation that changes the healthcare world. To build an ecosystem where science meets practice.
Our Mission
To develop innovative solutions to complex healthcare problems through online education, research & innovation. We are preparing a new generation of practitioner researchers to develop and implement novel evidence based approaches, in an environment where all researchers feel supported and empowered to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity.
Core Values
Teamwork, Creativity & Innovation, Knowledge & Expertise, Diversity.
IHRI is a diverse community of practitioner-scholars who believe that collaborations based on trust, openness and diverse thinking contribute to our role in solving complex problems faced by healthcare globally. We strive to partner with experts who supply knowledge, expertise and experience that steers us towards our goal. Our activities are conducted in an open, principled, and unbiased environment.
The institution is committed to ensuring academic integrity, freedom and equal treatment of management, academic and administrative staff and students and has procedures for ensuring intolerance of any kind or discrimination against staff and students.
Leadership & Governance
IHRI benefits from the guidance of a diverse and international team of academic leaders, pioneering innovators, and seasoned specialists across Health Sciences and Space Sciences, all committed to driving evidence-based progress in their respective fields.