The exhibition provided visitors with an opportunity to learn more about KWTRP’s research work and available Capacity-Building opportunities under our Training department, which is widely known as the Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders (IDeAL). The exhibition attracted various visitors, including young children, high school students, university students and faculty, researchers, research organisations, and startups both locally and internationally.
High school students had the unique opportunity to learn about the School Leavers Attachment scheme, a program designed to provide them with crucial information for their future academic decisions, with a special focus on STEM courses. They also got more information on mental health through the Program for Mental Health, which offers a platform for understanding adolescents’ perspectives on mental health. University students and researchers had the chance to explore a wide range of programs, including postgraduate diplomas, masters’ studentships, PhD programs, and the young people’s university engagement program. KWTRP is eager to form partnerships with various institutions, such as the British Council and student organisations with a focus on research and science, to foster engagement between students and researchers at the institutional level.
Speaking at the festival, Dr Charles Nyagoti, head the Pathogen Epidemiology and Omics (PEO) research group, KWTRP who was part of a panel discussing the importance of strengthening research capacity and the future of research in Kenya emphasized on the need for local institutions with support from the Kenyan government and funding partners to increase their support for local research.
The highlight of the exhibition was showcasing a KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme virtual lab tour, a recent project funded by FCDO that utilises virtual reality (VR) technology to promote science. The interest generated
aound the use of VR kits showcased the use of VR technology as a versatile, easily scalable tool for science engagement, especially for the younger population. Through the generated fliers on “Use of Virtual Reality as a science communication tool”, visitors, especially young people, were able to learn more about research work and
ther science activities in Kilifi.
The Exhibitor
The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is a global partnership between the Kenya Medical
Research Institute (KEMRI), Wellcome, and the University of Oxford. Established in 1989, the Programme has evolved from conducting research in the immunology and epidemiology of malaria in the 1990s to a world-class research Programme conducting multi-disciplinary research that spans molecular biology to health systems and policy research. We are physically located in Kilifi at the KEMRI Centre for Geographic Medicine Research Coast-CGRMC, in Nairobi in Kenya, and Mbale, Eastern Uganda, and have research collaborations globally.
Our mission is to conduct high-quality, purposeful, and relevant research in human health, building sustainable research capacity and leadership. We undertake cutting-edge and novel research relevant to national, regional, and global needs. Alongside research, we focus on research capacity development to support and nurture the next generation of African researchers and community, public, and policy engagement to enhance the relevance and impact of our research work.