Dr. Peterson Kariuki, Dean, School of Health Sciences at Mount Kigali University, participated in the 2nd Workshop of the 2nd Cohort of the Young East African Health Research Scientists’ Forum (YEARS’ Forum), held in Entebbe, Uganda, from February 26th to 28th, 2025. The event was organized by the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC), a specialized institution under the East African Community (EAC), committed to strengthening health research for improved regional health outcomes.
The YEARS’ Forum was established to empower young health researchers across the East African Community (EAC) region, equipping them with leadership, mentorship, and research dissemination skills. The forum aligns with the EAC’s vision of evidence-based policy and practice to drive sustainable healthcare solutions.
The 2nd Workshop of the 2nd Cohort focused on:
- Mentorship and career development for emerging health researchers.
- Scientific communication: Abstract writing, manuscript preparation, and grant proposal development.
- Enhancing research-to-policy impact: Strengthening the role of young researchers in public health policy formulation.
- Preparing for the 10th East African Health and Scientific Conference (10th EAHSC), to be held in March 2025 in Juba, South Sudan.
- Fostering regional collaboration among researchers from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As a YEARS Fellow, Dr. Peterson played a pivotal role in:
- Contributing to strategic discussions on regional health research priorities and mentorship.
- Guiding young researchers on professional development, networking, and securing research funding.
- Strengthening capacity-building initiatives to enhance scientific communication and dissemination.
- Championing public health research and innovation in alignment with regional health policies.
Speaking about his experience, Dr. Peterson emphasized the importance of mentorship and capacity-building, stating: “Empowering young researchers is critical in shaping East Africa’s healthcare future. Through mentorship, knowledge exchange, and leadership development, we are ensuring that the next generation of scientists is well-equipped to address emerging health challenges and influence policy decisions.”
The workshop set the foundation for the YEARS Fellows’ participation in the 10th EAHSC, where they will engage in: Abstract presentations and poster exhibitions showcasing innovative research, Panel discussions on advancing public health research in East Africa and Mentorship and networking sessions with senior researchers and policymakers.
Mount Kigali University appreciate Dr. Peterson’s contributions and remains dedicated to fostering research, innovation, and leadership development within the public health sector. The university encourages faculty and students to actively participate in regional and international research collaborations, further strengthening East Africa’s public health agenda.