DOVE Research Centre Becomes WHO Collaborating Centre for Violence Prevention
The Human Development and Violence Research Centre (DOVE), affiliated with the Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology at the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), has been officially designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Evidence-Based Violence Prevention Across the Life Course. WHO is at the forefront of global action to prevent violence using a public health approach, and it is a great honour for DOVE to join them in these efforts.
International recognition as a WHO Collaborating Centre stems from the significant impact of the Centre’s work on the determinants and prevention of violence, positioning DOVE to make important further contributions to global efforts to prevent violence through research, policy development, and capacity building. With this designation, DOVE becomes one of only four WHO Collaborating Centres worldwide specifically focused on violence prevention — a distinction that underscores the Centre’s scientific leadership and global relevance.
Directed by Professor Joseph Murray, the Centre will collaborate closely with PAHO/WHO over the next four years (2025–2029), through a series of key activities, including:
- Providing WHO with technical support on violence prevention;
- Producing new evidence on determinants of violence, including insights from the Pelotas Birth Cohort Studies in Brazil;
- Evaluating early parenting programs aimed at reducing child aggression and risk for violence;
- Conducting workshops on violence prevention, integrating researchers, policymakers and practitioners.
Additionally, the Centre will develop a case study on youth violence prevention at the subnational level in Brazil.
“This collaboration reflects our mission: to understand and prevent violence across the life course. We are proud to join efforts with WHO and partners around the world to turn science into action,” states Professor Murray.
The designation marks a significant milestone for DOVE, solidifying its role as a key partner in shaping violence prevention strategies rooted in rigorous science. All activities under this agreement will be funded by DOVE/UFPel, ensuring independence and adherence to the highest standards of scientific integrity.
