DELGEME Plus: Three Days of Exchange and Knowledge Sharing on African Research in Nairobi
The DELGEME Plus programme held its Annual Meeting from 28 to 30 September 2026 at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
Hosted by Professor Samuel Kariuki and his team from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the meeting brought together researchers, students and scientific leaders from eight African countries: Mali, Gambia, South Africa, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia and Kenya.
Over three days, participants shared progress on their research, discussed the challenges they faced and exchanged ideas on the next steps of the programme.
Young Researchers at the Heart of the Meeting
One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of research conducted by scientists supported by DELGEME Plus, including PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, Aspiring Leaders and Senior Scientists.
The presentations covered several important public health topics, including malaria, antimicrobial resistance and the search for new treatment options.
Each presentation was followed by discussions with scientific leaders and fellow participants. These exchanges gave researchers an opportunity to receive advice and recommendations to improve their work and move their research forward.
Beyond the scientific findings, these sessions highlighted the progress made by the researchers and the importance of continuing to support them throughout their careers.
Building Skills, Supporting Researchers and Encouraging Collaboration
The meeting also placed strong emphasis on capacity building and scientific leadership.
Professor Judith Torimiro, Chair of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Board (STAB) and Professor Iruka Okeke, the keynote speaker contributed to the discussions.
Key topics included mentorship, scientific publications, leadership and collaboration between African institutions.
Several researchers also shared their experiences and plans for the coming years. These discussions highlighted that capacity building goes beyond technical skills. It also involves sharing experiences, providing guidance and building strong networks among scientists.
Bringing Research Closer to Communities
Community and Public Engagement was another important topic discussed during the meeting.
Joining virtually, Paulina Tindana, who leads this component, presented the initial activities carried out in Ghana, including training, the development of communication tools and engagement with communities.
Her presentation highlighted the importance of involving communities in research and making scientific information more accessible to the public.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to learn about the activities of the African Microbiome Institute, presented by Dr Kristien Nel Van Zyl, as well as the research activities and future perspectives shared by Professor Samuel Kariuki.
Continuing the Work and Looking Ahead
During the closing session, participants were encouraged to continue their research, make progress on their scientific publications and meet the programme’s upcoming deadlines.
Special thanks were extended to Professor Samuel Kariuki and the entire KEMRI team for their warm welcome and for organising the meeting.
The Annual Meeting provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect, reflect on the progress achieved and strengthen relationships between research teams from different countries.
Above all, it reaffirmed one of the key ambitions of DELGEME Plus: to nurture and support a new generation of African scientists, strengthen their skills and promote collaborative research that can address the continent’s public health challenges. Participants look forward to meeting again next year to share new achievements and continue building on this collective effort.
