EDCTP at INTEREST 2025: Advancing research capacity in Africa
EDCTP Association’s participation at INTEREST 2025, which took place in Windhoek, Namibia, from 13-16 May 2025, focused on two impactful engagements that demonstrated its commitment to strengthening research capacity and advancing scientific leadership across Africa.
Grantspersonship Session
On 14 May, Ms Michelle Nderu, Project Officer at EDCTP, hosted a well-received Grantspersonship Session. This session was specifically designed to equip early- and mid-career researchers with essential tools for navigating the Global Health EDCTP3 grant application process. Participants were provided with practical guidance on:
- Proposal development
- Aligning proposals with EDCTP priorities
- Understanding review criteria
- Avoiding common pitfalls
Feedback from attendees highlighted the session as a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the funder’s perspective and the intricacies of the review process. This engagement underscored EDCTP’s dedication to fostering the next generation of researchers in global health.
Plenary presentation
On 16 May, Ms Nderu delivered a plenary presentation entitled “Strengthening Research Capacity – EDCTP’s Integrated Approach to Sustainable Scientific Leadership.” In her address, she outlined EDCTP’s comprehensive strategy for capacity development, structured around four strategic pillars:
- Supporting career development across all research stages
- Enabling sustainable research platforms
- Strengthening institutional capacity
- Fostering regional and international collaborations
Ms Nderu emphasised the importance of locally led research ecosystems rooted in equity, mentorship, and robust institutional frameworks. Beyond individual training, she highlighted the necessity for investment in enabling systems, such as:
- Robust ethics and regulatory frameworks
- Comprehensive data infrastructure
- Leadership development
Successful examples of regional collaboration were shared, reinforcing the crucial role of long-term funding partnerships in establishing sustainable research environments. The plenary presentation ignited dynamic discussions among stakeholders, reaffirming a collective commitment to collaboratively build a resilient and self-sustaining research landscape throughout Africa.