A delegation of researchers from the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) recently headed out to Kenya for a partnership development meeting hosted by the Kenya Medical Research Institute Centre for Virus Research (KEMRI-CVR), based in Nairobi. Funded by a small grant from the UofG Centre for International Development (GCID), the goal of the meeting was to work towards forming a new long-term equitable partnership with KEMRI-CVR in tackling emerging and ongoing viral threats.

Toni Ho, Brian Willett, Margaret Hosie, David Robertson and Ana Filipe, all principal investigators in the CVR, spent three days discussing key synergies in research and capacity building and toured round the fantastic facilities at the KEMRI-CVR. This visit also provided some great opportunities to develop links with healthcare providers, public health/government organisations and community groups, creating the foundations for strong collaborative research programme.

A group of ten people pose for a photo in a formal meeting room. They are standing in front of a wall displaying the logo of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), along with several national and institutional flags. The individuals represent a diverse team, with some wearing lanyards. A framed portrait hangs above the KEMRI logo.

The first day kicked off with overview presentations about the breadth and key priorities of virus research in Glasgow and Nairobi. It was a great introduction to the shared research interests in experimental, computational, clinical and public health aspects of virology research of the two institutes and highlighted broad themes of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), One Health and Arboviruses where there are potential collaborative opportunities. The group spent the next day working through key questions within these broad themes, identifying research gaps based on experiences and current trends aligned with Kenya’s health priorities and where viruses and applied virology research are concerned. On the final day, there were stimulating discussions on developing joint projects, grant applications, studentships and more, using One Health as the umbrella for future studies and incorporating both ARI and arboviruses as areas of strength. These discussions highlighted the complementary expertise between the MRC-University of Glasgow CVR and KEMRI-CVR to tackle important unmet needs for the communities in Kenya.

Overall, the discussions and activities were intense but highly productive and there is a lot of groundwork to build a strong and long-standing research relationship. It is important this partnership is truly bi-directional, driven by local priorities and contexts and fully engaged with communities and healthcare providers. Research should also encompass the entire spectrum of disciplines including vectors, humans, environmental, meteorological, land use and social policy, consolidating expertise and experiences from Scotland and Kenya in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies.

Glasgow lead Toni Ho commented that "Collaboration between KEMRI and the University of Glasgow strengthens our ability to conduct high quality research. Through shared knowledge and joint initiatives, we can accelerate medical breakthroughs and improve healthcare outcomes."

KEMRI-CVR research scientist Dama Olungae added that "Today's discussions have reaffirmed the power of our collective efforts in driving impactful research and innovation. Together, we will transform challenges into opportunities and create lasting solutions for global health."

Whilst in Kenya, Toni and David also took the opportunity to visit the KEMRI Wellcome Trust (KEMRI-WT) Research Programme in Kilifi, a visit planned 5 years ago but scuppered due to the pandemic! Hosted by Dr Charles Agoti, Head of Pathogen Epidemiology and Omics Group, they gave a research seminar which was attended by over 100 people in person and more online. This was followed by turbo talks from early career researchers from KEMRI-WT, providing overviews of their research and showcasing the breadth and excellence of activities there. Toni and David then had the chance to discuss the opportunities and gaps where the two institutes can work more closely together, and with KEMRI-CVR in Nairobi.

A large group of people poses outdoors under a massive tree with a textured trunk, surrounded by greenery. Many individuals are wearing lanyards, indicating a professional or academic gathering. The group is diverse, with a mix of ages, genders, and styles of dress, including casual and professional attire

This visit provided a timely opportunity to connect internationally recognised institutes with a shared mission to improve global health and preparedness to viral threats through collaborative and multidisciplinary research and capacity building. We are extremely excited to see what this partnership can do and look forward to establishing many joint endeavours in the long term.

With thanks to the University of GCID for funding and to KEMRI-CVR and KEMRI-WT for being wonderful hosts.

First published: 19 March 2025

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KEMRI-Centre for Virus Research Nairobi

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