The MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit has received a grant of £1.350m from the UK Research and Innovation/UK Medical Research Council (UKRI/MRC) Capital scheme and UKRI’s Environmental Sustainability fund to increase its existing solar power generation to 70% by 2023.

With two clinical research facilities in Entebbe and Masaka, equipped with state-of-the-art research technology and hosting large multi-disciplinary teams, the Unit's energy demand has been increasing with growing research activity. The grant will enable us to enhance our existing photovoltaic system that currently generates up to 30% of its energy capacity, and is facilitating increased efficiency of clinical trial conduct.

Over the last 34 years, the Unit has established state-of-the-art clinical research facilities and expertise to conduct clinical trials to international standards in Uganda. Key infrastructure includes clinics to enroll and treat study participants as well as accredited diagnostic laboratories that are essential to monitor the safety of trial participants. Through increasing competitive investment, the Unit has also established advanced laboratories for immunology and sequencing adding additional research value and capacity locally. To ensure fair and equitable treatment of our research participants, the Unit also provides free outpatient care including vaccination programmes to study populations which makes an additional vital contribution to health in otherwise under-served areas.