International research partnerships are crucial to addressing global health-related issues, but they are not always equitable and often reflect an imbalance in power, leadership, and shared benefits. Also, managing large multi-partner research programmes is increasingly complex, requiring not only strong science but robust governance, administration, and research management systems.
This case study explores how LIGHT responded to those challenges by embedding shared leadership, rotating roles, dedicated working groups, advisory support, and targeted capacity strengthening to create a more balanced, inclusive and equitable partnership model. This approach generated tangible impact by strengthening collaboration, improving coordination and research management, building confidence and leadership across different groups within the Consortium, and supporting more equitable participation in decision-making. Beyond the programme, LIGHT also contributed to enduring relationships, career progression, institutional visibility, and longer-term cultural change, offering a practical model for more equitable and sustainable global health partnerships.