The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) has received a landmark seven-year core grant from Wellcome, marking one of the most significant long-term investments in African-led health research. The funding, which runs from 2025 to 2032, will accelerate scientific discovery, strengthen health systems, and nurture the next generation of African scientists.
The new grant will reinforce MLW’s scientific strategy across key research areas, including infectious diseases, maternal and child health, mental health, and climate-related health challenges. It will also fund an ambitious expansion of infrastructure and training initiatives designed to make Malawi a leading hub for cutting-edge health research and innovation.
“This funding from Wellcome is a vote of confidence in the hard work and dedication of our teams and in Malawi’s role at the forefront of global health research,” said Professor Henry Mwandumba, MLW Programme Director. “It allows us to deepen our scientific impact, accelerate clinical trials, and invest in data science and innovation—all while nurturing the next generation of African research leaders.”
Established in 1995 as a partnership between the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), the University of Liverpool, and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, MLW has evolved into one of Africa’s leading health research collaborations. Its research has shaped regional and global health policies, influencing approaches to infectious disease control, vaccine development, and health system resilience.
The new Wellcome grant will fund three major institutional platforms:
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An Integrated Clinical Trials Unit, to strengthen Africa-led clinical research.
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A Data Science and Computational Modelling Unit, to enhance predictive research and digital innovation.
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An Innovation and Translation Hub, to ensure that scientific discoveries are translated into practical health solutions.
According to Professor Louise Kenny, Executive Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Liverpool, the funding recognises MLW’s excellence as a regional centre for science and training. “It will further strengthen Malawi-led science with global reach and help develop the next generation of African health leaders,” she said.
The investment comes at a pivotal moment as Africa faces a complex mix of emerging infectious diseases, non-communicable conditions, and climate-linked health threats. The grant’s focus on interdisciplinary and locally driven research aligns with a growing movement across the continent to build sustainable, Africa-owned scientific ecosystems.
Professor Jimmy Volmink, Wellcome’s Executive Director of Equity, said the grant reflects Wellcome’s long-standing partnership with MLW and commitment to equitable global health research. “For 30 years, the Programme has produced pioneering research and nurtured new generations of researchers,” he said. “We’re proud to continue our support to help MLW find solutions to urgent health challenges.”
With this new phase of support, the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme stands poised to cement its legacy as a catalyst for African excellence in health science, combining world-class research with a deep commitment to community impact and scientific leadership.
Article by RB Reporter
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