The Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit has received a major boost to advance Africa’s genomics and bioinformatics capacity, after securing a two-year grant from the Roche African Genomics Program.
The grant will fund initiatives aimed at strengthening computational research infrastructure, supporting data-driven scientific discovery, and nurturing young African scientists in genomics and related fields. The award marks a significant step in Africa’s broader push for data sovereignty and African-led health research.
Based in Entebbe, Uganda, the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Unit will implement the program through the Uganda Medical Informatics Centre (UMIC) — a state-of-the-art high-performance computing facility that already serves as a regional hub for bioinformatics and life sciences research.
UMIC provides advanced computational tools that many African institutions have historically lacked, enabling researchers to conduct large-scale genomic analyses without relying on external facilities.
“This collaboration comes at a crucial time when Africa is underrepresented in global genomic datasets,” said Prof. Moffat Nyirenda, Director of the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit. “By expanding access to computational power and mentorship, we are empowering African researchers to lead discoveries that directly impact their communities.”
In its first phase, the initiative will support 50 African MSc, PhD, and early-career researchers through a competitive bursary scheme. Each selected participant will receive £2,000 in funding, along with mentorship and hands-on training in genomics, computational biology, and bioinformatics at UMIC.
The program prioritises candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and those affiliated with African research institutions, offering not just financial assistance but also a gateway to collaboration with leading African and international scientists.
Africa, despite its immense genetic diversity, remains underrepresented in global genomic databases, limiting insights into diseases that disproportionately affect its populations. This initiative aims to help close that gap by strengthening the continent’s research infrastructure and fostering local expertise.
By investing in training, technology, and infrastructure, the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit and Roche are helping to reshape Africa’s role in global health innovation — from a data contributor to a driver of discovery.
“This is more than a grant,” Prof. Nyirenda emphasised. “It’s an investment in Africa’s scientific future — where African data, talent, and leadership define the next frontier of genomic research.”
Article by RB Reporter
Photo/Google
Comment