The bridge between two worlds: Global South researchers' journeys through Global North academic training and beyond

International training of Global South researchers represents a strategic investment that yields substantial returns, rather than the traditional “brain drain” framing. This perspective synthesises the experiences of infectious disease epidemiologists from Colombia, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone who completed training in Global North institutions between 2015-2024. Despite facing challenges, language barriers, and representational pressures, we demonstrate how Global South researchers transform these obstacles into unique strengths that enhance local research capabilities. Our experiences also show that Global South researchers serve as vital bridges between academic worlds, contributing irreplaceable contextual knowledge while building collaborative networks that advance infectious disease epidemiology research regardless of geographic location. We provide four strategic recommendations for better infectious disease epidemiology research ecosystems: 1) creating supportive institutional environments in Global North institutions, 2) building sustainable partnerships that strengthen home institutions, 3) embracing individual agency and responsibility, and 4) strengthening regional collaborations while adapting to evolving global contexts. Our narrative progresses from challenges to empowerment, demonstrating that Global South researchers are valuable contributors essential to advancing infectious disease epidemiology research. • International mobility of Global South researchers challenges “brain drain” narratives, delivering substantial returns through knowledge transfer and collaboration networks • Our experience shows how Global South researchers pursuing international training transform challenges into unique research strengths • Global South researchers pursuing international training experience dynamic role reversals: contextual experts abroad become technical experts upon return home • International training creates privilege dynamics requiring intentional efforts toward equitable research ecosystems • Four recommendations providing actionable pathways for supportive institutions (both in the Global North and Global South) and sustainable collaborations (especially South-South collaborations)