HLRC 2018 offers delegates the opportunity to hear from and interact with thought leaders and practitioners in health research, policy and practice, who are all working to address global health challenges. Attended by leading academic staff, healthcare industry, researchers, policy makers, funding agency leaders, NGOs, the private sector, health providers and practitioners, and government representatives, the congress offers a perfect opportunity to network, partner, learn and collaborate to drive collaboration in bench to bedside research. HLRC offers the best case studies, most important policy developments and an opportunity to network with other delegates who are aiming to build global partnerships in health research, or implement the latest research results with their patients or hospitals. Only the most dynamic and relevant keynotes, speakers and case studies are selected to be part of the two-day agenda. The programme is filled with thought-provoking addresses, high-level panel discussions and in-depth case studies, along with informative posters and exhibitions. All proceedings, presentations and posters from the congress are published online and are completely open access.