Strengthening Policy Support for African Health Research and Global Partnerships
AERAP Roundtable | 15:00–17:30
Hosted by University College Dublin (UCD), School of Politics.
Venue: Room Q102, first floor, Innovation Corridor, Lochlann Quinn Building (building 49 on the UCD campus map), UCD Belfield Campus.
No security check is required to access the campus or the venue building.
Global Health EDCTP3 focus
The roundtable will examine how stronger policy support can advance African-led health research, sustain clinical research networks and strengthen the institutions that connect scientific discovery with better health outcomes.
Convened during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the discussion will consider how Africa–Europe cooperation can support health research priorities under STISA 2034. Attention will be given to the policy conditions needed for lasting research capacity: institutional continuity, scientific careers, research infrastructure, equitable partnerships and closer links between research and national health systems.
Global Health EDCTP3 will provide a central focus, with Dr Michael Makanga offering a perspective on African-led clinical research capacity and partnerships beyond 2030. The discussion will explore how these priorities can inform the development of FP10 and Global Europe, while strengthening African participation in shaping international research agendas.
The central question will be: What policy commitments are needed to make African-led health research a sustained priority within national development strategies and Africa–Europe cooperation?
Agenda
15:00–15:10 | Welcome and objectives
Mr Declan Kirrane and Prof Patrick Paul Walsh
Welcome from the host institution and introduction to the roundtable’s objectives, the Irish Presidency context and opportunities to strengthen policy support for African health research.
15:10–15:30 | Policy support for research capacity
Dr Ian Thomson, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Featured intervention on the policy support needed to sustain clinical research networks, strengthen African research leadership and build enduring institutional partnerships.
15:30–15:45 | African priorities and science diplomacy
Ms Eudy Mabuza
The role of national policy and international cooperation in strengthening African health research institutions and ensuring partnerships respond to African priorities.
15:45–16:00 | Connecting research with clinical practice
Prof Rita Lawlor
A proposed contribution on the institutional and policy conditions that help translate research into clinical benefit, including collaboration between researchers, clinicians and health systems.
16:00–16:15 | African-led clinical research and partnerships beyond 2030
Dr Michael Makanga, Executive Director, Global Health EDCTP3
16:15–16:30 | Research policy and institutional capacity
Dr Gráinne Gorman, CEO, Health Research Board (invited)
A perspective on how research policy can support scientific careers, institutional collaboration and the use of evidence in health policy and practice, including opportunities for Ireland–Africa cooperation.
16:30–17:15 | Moderated roundtable and participant discussion
Moderator: Declan Kirrane | All speakers
Discussion priorities
- Policy support for sustainable research institutions, infrastructure and scientific careers.
- African leadership in setting research priorities and shaping equitable partnerships.
- Stronger links between clinical research, public health priorities and health systems.
- Opportunities to reflect African health research priorities in FP10, Global Europe and cooperation under STISA 2034.
17:15–17:30 | Conclusions and next steps
Declan Kirrane, with contributions from all speakers
Registration form
Participation is free of charge but requires registration:
- Organisation type: AERAP
- email: info@aerapscience.org
Date
Time
Local Time
- Timezone: America/Detroit
- Date: 15 Oct 2026
- Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Labels
Location
Speakers
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Eudy MabuzaMinister Counsellor: Science and Innovation at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in BrusselsCurrently serving as a Minister Counsellor: Science and Innovation at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Brussels where she is seconded by the Department of Science and Innovation. Responsible for the management and strengthening the South Africa Science, Technology and Innovation Collaboration between South Africa and International partners like the European Union (EU). Hydrogen Economy is one of the flagship areas which she focus on for science diplomacy. In her previous roles, she also served as the Chief of Staff (Head of Cabinet) to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. and as a Minister Counsellor in Tokyo where she initiated the negotiation process as well as leveraged research funding for collaboration between South Africa and Japan in the Hydrogen Economy.
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Ian ThomsonSenior Program Specialist, International Development Research Center (IDRC)Ian Thomson is currently a Senior Program Specialist at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). He has experience from previous roles at organizations like Oxfam Canada and KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives. Ian holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Toronto and has a strong background in international development research and policy change
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John KamaraChief Executive Officer, AI Centre of Excellence Africa (AICE) -
Michael MakangaExecutive Director, Global Health EDCTP3Dr Makanga has extensive experience of working in the global health research sector and is currently the Executive Director of the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) Association.
Dr Makanga is a clinician-scientist with nearly thirty years of health and clinical research work experience in African and European institutions. He has a medical Degree from Makerere University, a Master’s and PhD in Pharmacology and Therapeutics from the Liverpool University and School of Tropical Medicine and is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.
He has vast experience in global health, research for health capacity development, engagement with policy makers, ethics and regulatory authorities in both Africa and Europe. Moreover, he has served in various scientific and policy advisory boards involved in developing medical products and associated technologies for infectious diseases, including the World Bank, international product development organisations, philanthropies and pharmaceutical companies.
