Name: UNGA81 Science Summit
Start: 2026-09-22T17:00:00
End: 2026-09-22T19:30:00
Location: Cure

This session will explore how strengthening clinical trial networks, research infrastructure, and regulatory and ethical systems can accelerate high-quality clinical research across Africa. Through case studies from Global Health EDCTP3-funded projects, speakers will showcase innovative, resource-efficient approaches to capacity strengthening, ethical oversight, research leadership and international collaboration that are delivering tangible impact across the continent.

The event will conclude with a high-level panel discussion on the future of global clinical research beyond 2030, bringing together leaders from African and international institutions to discuss the investments, partnerships and policies needed to build resilient research ecosystems, strengthen Global South leadership, and enhance global preparedness for future health challenges.

public health | Africa-EU partnership | medical science | scientific research
Tuesday 22 September 2026, 11:00 - 13:30 (EDT)
New York, United States

Programme

22 Sep 2026, 11:00 - 13:30 (EDT)
Advancing science: Shaping clinical research across Africa and beyond
11:00-11:15
Welcome and introduction - EDCTP: Two Decades of Advancing African Clinical Research
- Dr Michael Makanga, Executive Director, Global Health EDCTP3
11:15-11:25
Global Health EDCTP3 case study 1 - eWHORM
Assessing the efficacy of new therapeutics against multiple parasitic worm infections.
- Professor Achim Hoerauf, Director (IMMIP, UKB) (Project Coordinator)
- Dr Rella Zoleko (CERMEL, Gabon) (remote)
11:25-11:35
Global Health EDCTP3 case study 2 - CT-Luso
Strengthening the ethical review and regulatory capacity for clinical research across Portuguese-speaking African countries.
- Professor Maria do Céu Patrão Neves, Portuguese National Council of Ethics (Project Coordinator) (remote)
- Professor Esperança Sevene, Eduardo Mondlane University (Scientific Coordinator) (remote)
11:35-11:45
Global Health EDCTP3 case study 3 - WANETAM-4
Building on over two decades of EDCTP support to strengthen clinical research sites, train the next generation of African research leaders, and enhance preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks across 12 West African countries.
- Dembo Kanteh, MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the Gambia (Coordinator WANETAM-4 Consortium and Scientific Leadership)
- Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, University of Ghana, EDCTP Senior Fellow (remote)
11:45-11:55
Global Health EDCTP3 case study 4 - SOFAR
Building research capacity in Southern Africa through fellowships, supervisor training, digital learning and placements with WHO, Africa CDC and ministries of health.
- Professor Katharina Kranzer, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU); Director, THRU-Zim, Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) (remote)
12:00-13:10
Panel discussion - Global Health and Clinical Trials after 2030: What research infrastructure is needed for Africa and the World?
Moderated by Co-chairs.
- Maria Pilar Aguar Fernandez, Director, RTD, European Commission (remote)
- Richard Hatchett, CEO, CEPI, United Kingdom
- Jennifer Dent, CEO, BVGH, USA
- Mark Feinberg, CEO, IAVI, USA
- Alex Dodoo, Senior Advisor to the Director General, AMA, Rwanda
- Ntobeko Ntusi, CEO, SAMRC, South Africa
13:10-13:25
Audience Q&A
13:25-13:30
Concluding remarks from the Co-chairs