Unlocking the Power of Science Knowledge Exchange: MRC Uganda Launches Weekly Science Seminar Series.

In a world fueled by the constant evolution of science, staying informed and up-to-date is paramount.

With the goal of facilitating knowledge sharing, accelerating progress, and fostering skill development through frequent seminars, enabling collaboration, innovation, and interdisciplinary discussions, as well as enhancing researchers’ presentation and communication skills for professional growth and wider research dissemination, MRC Uganda proudly presents the Weekly Science Seminar Series.

This transformative initiative aims to immerse participants in a world of discovery, fostering lively discussions and propelling research endeavors to new heights. The seminars will inspire behavior change and provide cutting-edge knowledge to students, interns, organization staff, and the public.

Dr. Segun Fatumo, a genomics research expert in the Unit’s Non communicable Disease (NCD) theme set the stage for the seminar with a presentation entitled, ‘The mapping of genomic variants and risk prediction of complex diseases in the African population is a significant area of study.’

In his presentation, Dr. Fatumo emphasised the dangers of failure to harness the genetic diversity across Africa into a repository of data that can be used to tailor health interventions and the development of essential medicine to treat conditions that are unique to the African context. He called for a concerted continental effort among African researchers to develop data banks that can effectively inform new and on-going clinical studies world-wide.

“Gone are the days when intuition and symptoms alone guided medical treatment. Today, research revolutionizes the approach, utilising tests and personalized findings to shape patient care. And as technology continues to advance, we can only anticipate even more promising outcomes in the future,” Dr. Segun added.

In his opening statement, Professor Moffatt Nyirenda the Head of Unit’s Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) theme said,

“The timing of the seminar launch couldn't be more ideal, as the establishment of a vibrant scientific community is of utmost importance.”

He highlighted the importance of facilitating more frequent gatherings of scientists and researchers to foster networking, collaboration, and a profound sense of belonging both within and beyond the organisation.

Organized in partnership with institutions like the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), and other key players in the field of research, these seminars provide a huge platform for enhanced knowledge exchange and learning among scientists.

A presentation on the Young Africa Works programme by the Unit’s Disability Research Group, highlighted the impact of the programme’s establishment of a youth advisory group comprised of young people between 18 and 30 years, with disabilities, a community engagement forum which has and continues to give insight into the Unit’s wider inclusion policy and feed into the development of research studies that are cognizant of the unique needs of persons with disabilities.

Jarious Wanyera, a research participant in the Young Africa Works initiative, shared his personal journey and emphasized the importance of accepting and adapting to individuals with disabilities. He expressed his joy in the launch of the weekly science seminar series, recognising it as a more welcoming environment for collaboration and networking with scientists from within and outside the unit.

Mulenzi Tonny, a speech-impaired member of the Youth advisory board highlighted the importance of the seminar as a platform to increase awareness about the need for more studies that provide knowledge about ways to effectively include persons with disabilities across various sectors.

MRC Uganda remains committed to conducting research, expanding knowledge, and improving the control of infectious and non-communicable diseases, not just within Uganda, but also across Africa and the globe.

The weekly science seminar series represents a significant step in bolstering research capacity in Uganda and Africa as a whole. By bridging the gap between research and engagement, these seminars pave the way for groundbreaking advancements that have the potential to impact policy development and implementation.

Discover, collaborate, and empower with us every Friday from 8:45 am to 11:00 am at MRC Uganda – Entebbe station as we unlock the power of knowledge and drive positive change for a brighter future in science and research.