Consortium

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is South Africa’s leading public health research institution and the country’s largest local funder of health research. Established in 1969, the SAMRC is a statutory body mandated to improve health and quality of life through research, innovation, capacity development, and evidence generation. Operating under the National Department of Health, the organization supports research that addresses South Africa’s most pressing health challenges and informs policy and practice. The SAMRC conducts and funds research across a broad spectrum of priorities, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, mental health, injury prevention, environmental health, and health systems strengthening. It integrates laboratory science, clinical research, epidemiology, public health, and implementation science to generate evidence-based solutions. A key role of the SAMRC is strengthening South Africa’s health research ecosystem through funding programmes, postgraduate training, infrastructure development, and innovation support. The organization promotes collaboration among universities, government, industry, and international partners while advancing areas such as genomics, data science, digital health, and technology commercialization. Through its commitment to research excellence and innovation, the SAMRC contributes to improved healthcare delivery, disease prevention, and better health outcomes in South Africa and globally.

Hasselt University (UHasselt) is a public research university located in Belgium’s Limburg region, with campuses in Hasselt and Diepenbeek. Established in 1971, the university is recognized for its commitment to high-quality education, innovative research, and strong societal engagement. Guided by its motto, “Knowledge in Action,” UHasselt focuses on translating scientific excellence into practical solutions that address contemporary societal challenges. UHasselt has developed expertise across numerous disciplines, including biostatistics, data science, biomedical sciences, public health, environmental sciences, engineering, transportation sciences, and business economics. The institution places strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and maintains partnerships with academic, governmental, and industry stakeholders throughout Europe and beyond. Its research activities contribute to health improvement, sustainable development, technological innovation, and evidence-based policy development. The university is known for its international outlook and student-centered learning environment. Small class sizes, close interaction between students and academic staff, and innovative teaching approaches contribute to its strong reputation. UHasselt is also an active participant in international research collaborations, particularly in epidemiology, infectious disease modelling, public health, and biostatistics. Through initiatives such as STEAM-3D, the university supports advanced training, research capacity strengthening, and data-driven public health decision-making across Africa and Europe.

The University of Malawi (UNIMA) is the oldest and one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Malawi. Established in 1965 and located in Zomba, UNIMA has played a central role in developing the country’s human capital, research capacity, and intellectual leadership. The university is committed to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement, serving as an important contributor to national development. Following a restructuring process completed in 2021, UNIMA became a standalone university with a renewed focus on strengthening its academic identity and expanding its contribution to society. The institution comprises several schools covering areas such as arts, communication, humanities, social sciences, law, economics, government, and natural sciences. UNIMA has earned a strong reputation for producing skilled graduates and conducting research that addresses Malawi’s social, economic, environmental, and public health challenges. The university actively promotes interdisciplinary research and collaborates with local, regional, and international partners to generate knowledge that informs policy and supports sustainable development. It provides undergraduate and postgraduate education, supports innovation and entrepreneurship, and strengthens public and private sector capacity. Through international partnerships, research programmes, and academic exchanges, UNIMA continues to enhance its global engagement while remaining firmly committed to Malawi’s development priorities.

The Douala General Hospital (Hôpital Général de Douala – HGD) is one of Cameroon’s leading tertiary healthcare institutions and a major referral hospital serving the country and surrounding regions. Established in 1987 and opened in 1988, the hospital was created to provide specialized healthcare services within Cameroon and reduce the need for overseas medical referrals. Today, it is recognized as one of the nation’s foremost public hospitals and an important centre for healthcare delivery, training, and research. Located in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital, HGD operates under the Ministry of Public Health and provides a broad range of specialized medical services. These include cardiology, nephrology, oncology, surgery, intensive care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory medicine, and emergency care. The hospital delivers around-the-clock services and supports a diverse patient population from Cameroon and neighbouring countries. Beyond patient care, HGD plays an important role in medical education and specialist training. The institution supports the development of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals while contributing to research and healthcare innovation. Investments in modern medical technologies and international collaborations have strengthened its capacity to address major health challenges. As a flagship referral hospital, HGD continues to advance clinical excellence, training, research, and public health across Central Africa.