UR explores strategic health research partnership with European Digital UniverCity Alliance

The University of Rwanda hosted a delegation from the European Digital UniverCity Alliance to explore opportunities for collaboration in medical science, with a strong focus on biotechnology and biomedical engineering. The delegation included representatives from three European universities including University of Cagliari, University of Pécs and Masaryk University respectively from Italy, Hungary, and Czechia.

The visitors were received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Didas Kayihura, in the presence of Ms. Zsófia Antal, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Hungary in Rwanda. In his remarks, Prof. Kayihura welcomed the partnership initiative and emphasized the importance of formalizing the collaboration to strengthen capacity in vaccine research and development, viral epidemiology, and outbreak response.

The delegation was led by Prof. István Tarrósy from the University of Pécs, who commended the significant progress made by the University of Rwanda, particularly within the College of Medicine and Health Sciences. He highlighted the impact of the Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management as a key platform creating value for both institutions.

Discussions also focused on concrete areas for immediate collaboration, building on existing initiatives such as the Centres of Excellence in vaccine and Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering and projects like Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, medicines & health technology products in Africa (MAV+). These efforts are expected to serve as catalysts for advancing joint research, innovation, and skills development in critical health fields.

The engagement marks another step in strengthening international academic partnerships aimed at addressing global health challenges through research, innovation, and shared expertise.