n a groundbreaking move to uplift emerging talent in health research, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) successfully hosted the first-ever Tanzania National Young East African Health Research Scientists (YEARS’) Forum Workshop. The dynamic two-day event, held from 14–15 April 2025 at Tiffany Diamond Hotel in Dar es Salaam, aimed at strengthening critical research skills among early-career health scientists.
The workshop was officially opened by NIMR Director General, Prof. Said Aboud, who emphasized the need to invest in the future of science through early-stage capacity building. In his opening remarks, Prof. Aboud underscored the significance of practical training, mentorship, and regional partnerships as powerful tools to shape the next generation of scientific leaders.
“This workshop is a key step in empowering our next generation of researchers. I urge all participants to actively engage and apply these skills in their scientific work to advance health research in Tanzania and the East African region,” he stated.
Organized in collaboration with the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC), the workshop forms part of the broader YEARS’ Forum initiative, which seeks to support, mentor, and connect young health researchers across the seven East African Community (EAC) member states namely Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Speaking earlier at the event, Dr. Novat Twungubumwe, the Deputy Executive Secretary at EAHRC, gave a background on the initiative, noting that the YEARS’ Forum was formally approved by the 15th EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health and officially launched during the 7th East African Health and Scientific Conference, which was also held in Dar es Salaam in March 2019. Further Dr. Fabian Mashauri, Training Coordinator, emphasized the critical role that the young scientists can play in developing sustainable health research ecosystems across the region. “Our goal is to ensure these young researchers are not only technically competent but also visionary leaders who will drive health innovation across East Africa,” he commented.
The workshop assembled a vibrant group of 42 participants, including six PhD-level researchers and 36 mentees from across Tanzania for hands-on training in five essential areas of health research: Application of ICT in research, Critical reading and referencing, Research communication skills, Reviews in health research, and Data management.
With its successful launch, this workshop marks a pivotal milestone in the regional mission to invest in youth, nurture future scientists, and promote health innovation. NIMR’s initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing health research through strategic partnerships, skill-building, and visionary leadership.
The workshop was officially opened by NIMR Director General, Prof. Said Aboud, who emphasized the need to invest in the future of science through early-stage capacity building. In his opening remarks, Prof. Aboud underscored the significance of practical training, mentorship, and regional partnerships as powerful tools to shape the next generation of scientific leaders.
“This workshop is a key step in empowering our next generation of researchers. I urge all participants to actively engage and apply these skills in their scientific work to advance health research in Tanzania and the East African region,” he stated.
Organized in collaboration with the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC), the workshop forms part of the broader YEARS’ Forum initiative, which seeks to support, mentor, and connect young health researchers across the seven East African Community (EAC) member states namely Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Speaking earlier at the event, Dr. Novat Twungubumwe, the Deputy Executive Secretary at EAHRC, gave a background on the initiative, noting that the YEARS’ Forum was formally approved by the 15th EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health and officially launched during the 7th East African Health and Scientific Conference, which was also held in Dar es Salaam in March 2019. Further Dr. Fabian Mashauri, Training Coordinator, emphasized the critical role that the young scientists can play in developing sustainable health research ecosystems across the region. “Our goal is to ensure these young researchers are not only technically competent but also visionary leaders who will drive health innovation across East Africa,” he commented.
The workshop assembled a vibrant group of 42 participants, including six PhD-level researchers and 36 mentees from across Tanzania for hands-on training in five essential areas of health research: Application of ICT in research, Critical reading and referencing, Research communication skills, Reviews in health research, and Data management.
With its successful launch, this workshop marks a pivotal milestone in the regional mission to invest in youth, nurture future scientists, and promote health innovation. NIMR’s initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing health research through strategic partnerships, skill-building, and visionary leadership.
