Global partners rally behind Rwanda’s biomedical research and biomanufacturing capacity-building initiative

Global stakeholders convened at UR to strengthen momentum for the country’s national capacity-building initiative in biomedical research and biomanufacturing, implemented under the TEI MAV+ Project.
The workshop brought together UR researchers, partners from collaborating institutions, and representatives of health and education development partners. Discussions focused on project coordination and governance, implementation progress, and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative.

The workshop brought together UR researchers, partners from collaborating institutions, and representatives of health and education development partners.

The programme has already enabled the delivery of Master’s and PhD degrees in critical fields including clinical trials, human genetics and genomics, infectious diseases, therapeutics, and drug development. Additional programmes are currently undergoing accreditation. This progress has been made possible through the support of Expertise France, the European Union, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and other partners.

Speaking at the event, UR Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayihura Didas, commended the collective efforts of all project partners for making the initiative operational in the country. He acknowledged the importance of continued sponsorship and expressed optimism about expanding strategic health partnerships. Prof. Kayihura also noted that the Rwanda Higher Education Council has commended the programmes offered under the project, citing their strong engagement and visible impact.

“This project is one of the most engaging and well-coordinated initiatives at the University,” Prof. Kayihura said.

In his remarks, Prof. Leon Mutesa, Director of the Centre for Human Genetics and TEI MAV+ Project Lead, outlined the project’s core ambition to strengthen capacity at Master’s and PhD levels. He noted that the initiative is currently supporting 18 PhD candidates and 30 Master’s students. Prof. Mutesa emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen clinical training sites across Rwanda, enhance training quality, and support students conducting clinical trials, while highlighting the progress achieved through strong stakeholder engagement and coordination.

Among the participants was Teresa Soop, Senior Research Advisor at the Embassy of Sweden in Rwanda. She noted that a recent financial reality check confirmed an increase in funding levels, describing the development as highly encouraging. She further emphasized that the clinical trials component has been particularly beneficial, providing students with valuable academic and hands-on learning opportunities.

The workshop attracted representatives from Expertise France and the European Union, as well as partners from Sweden, including Karolinska Institutet, the University of Gothenburg, and Umeå University. Local partners in attendance included the Rwanda Biomedical Center, the University of Global Health Equity, Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority and King Faisal Hospital.

Participants pose for group photos