The Directorate of Research Coordination and Promotion (RCP) is one of the three coordinating directorates at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR). The overall objective of the directorate is to coordinate, promote, and monitor the implementation of health research performed by the Institute, ensuring compliance with institutional and government regulations governing health research.

The Directorate has three (3) Sections:

• Public Health and Promotion Section
• Health Systems, Policy and Translation Research Section
• Innovation, Commercialization, and Technology Transfer Section

Public Health and Promotion Section

This section conducts and coordinates epidemiological and implementation research to establish the burden of diseases and propose solutions to health problems. It also facilitates linkages and works closely with disease control programs such as:

• NACP (National AIDS Control Program)
• NMCP (National Malaria Control Program)
• NTDC (National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program)
• NTLP (National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program)
• RMNCH (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health)
• NCDCP (Non-Communicable Diseases Control Program)

The section identifies implementation gaps and designs research activities to address these problems.

Health Systems, Policy and Translation Research Section

This section translates research data and published materials into valuable information for public health decision-making. It conducts and promotes research on health systems strengthening and financing, and provides support for the development of cost-effective strategies for the delivery of healthcare and interventions.

Innovation, Commercialization, and Technology Transfer Section

This section raises awareness among NIMR scientists on innovation, intellectual property (IP) issues, and commercialization of IP. It also promotes innovative thinking among NIMR researchers and encourages scientists to innovate and adopt a culture of patenting research products.

The Directorate of Research Information and Regulatory Affairs (DRIRA) is one of the three coordinating Directorates at the National Institute for Medical Research.

The overall objective of the Directorate is to register and regulate the conduct of health research in Tanzania, support national disease surveillance and emergency systems, promote the publication of research findings, and maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date archive of research documents and information.

The Directorate has three (3) Sections as follows:

1. Health Research Regulation
2. Disease Surveillance
3. Research Publications and Documentation

Health Research Regulation Section

The Section maintains a system for the registration of health research carried out in Tanzania and serves as the Secretariat for the National Health Research Ethics Review sub-Committee (NatHREC). This Section facilitates the ethical review and approval process, including post-approval processes such as material and data transfer agreements and permission to publish health research data. The section coordinates compliance monitoring of studies approved at the national level or through Zonal/Institutional Research Ethics Committees and oversees these registered committees’ functions. The section periodically schedules training on health research regulation and ethics, and offers training when requested.

Disease Surveillance Section

This Section is the institutional focal point for all matters related to national disease surveillance systems and public health events. It is responsible for coordinating NIMR’s provision of technical support for effective implementation of integrated disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, and control in Tanzania. The section coordinates support for the analysis and interpretation of data and scientific literature needed for preparedness, implementation, evaluation, and control efforts during public health events. It also supports research activities during public health events and emergencies. The section acts as a liaison with National, Regional, and Global Surveillance Networks.

Research Publications and Documentation Section

The Section maintains effective management, preservation, and accessioning of records of health research reports and institutional publications, as well as the development and updating of policies and procedures for the Institute’s research publication activities and management. NIMR publishes the Tanzania Journal of Health Research (TJHR) on a quarterly basis. This section acts as the Secretariat for TJHR and facilitates publishing. The section also maintains infrastructure to support research data management and manages the national health research data repository and other research information systems.

The Directorate of Corporate Services (DCS) is one of the three coordinating directorates at the National Institute for Medical Research, focusing on administration, human resources, planning, and finance matters. The overall objective of the directorate is to provide efficient support services for the effective performance of the Institute’s core mission, as well as the proper management of available resources. It is also responsible for planning, directing, and controlling the financial accounting operations of the Institute.

The Directorate has three (3) Sections:

1. Human Resource Management and Administration Section
2. Finance and Accounts Section
3. Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Section

Human Resource Management and Administration Section

This section interprets public service regulations, standing orders, and other labor laws. It also administers and oversees the implementation of activities such as:

• Recruitment
• Selection
• Orientation
• Training and employee development
• Promotion
• Discipline
• Retention and motivation
• Performance management
• General staff welfare

Finance and Accounts Section

This section ensures that a proper system of accounting is established and maintained. It also ensures that all financial transactions comply with the Institute’s financial regulations, or any other written law for the management of public money, and prepares periodical and statutory financial reports.

Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Section

This section coordinates the preparation, development, and review of the Institute’s strategic plan. It also prepares regular quarterly and annual budget and performance reports for management, council, and other stakeholders. Additionally, it monitors and evaluates the implementation of plans and budget performance.