The Department of Maternal Newborn and Child Health Research, Mbarara University of Science and Technology Launches a fund for multidisciplinary research using the MicroResearch model
In partnership with the University of Calgary, Canada, the Department of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Research at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) unveiled an ambitious initiative—the launch of a groundbreaking fund to support multidisciplinary research using the MicroResearch model. This launch was chaired by Dr. Kanyesigye Hamson, Deputy Chief Research Officer.
It marks the beginning of a transformative journey for five teams of junior researchers, each carefully selected for their potential to shape the future of healthcare in Uganda and beyond. With grants of 5,000,000 UGX each, these researchers will not only break barriers but also bring together different elements of various disciplines to address pressing health challenges.
In the spotlight are the five Principal Investigators (PIs)—Namatovu Shakillah, Doreen Nuwashaba, Richard Ntwari, Byaruhanga Norbert Musisi, and Dr. Natuhwera Precious. Each PI represents a unique perspective, bringing expertise from different faculties:
- The Faculty of Medicine, with its stellar contributions from the departments of Microbiology, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynecology.
- The Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, enriching projects with social science and community-based approaches.
- The Faculty of Information Technology, leveraging data and digital solutions for real-world impact.
The MicroResearch model—rooted in collaboration and problem-solving—is the backbone of this initiative. It emphasizes small-scale, community-focused studies with the potential for scalable impact. For the young researchers, this is a chance to not only identify gaps in maternal, newborn, and child health but also craft practical, evidence-based solutions.
Over the course of 2025, these teams will dive into their projects, working in labs, clinics, and communities. Whether it’s gathering data in remote villages or testing solutions in the hospital, they’ll be focused on finding practical ways to improve
healthcare for mothers, newborns, and children.
For the mentors, this was an opportunity to shape the next generation of researchers.
For the University of Calgary, it was a testament to the power of global partnerships in fostering local solutions. For MUST, it was a proud step toward its vision of becoming a hub of innovation and excellence in Africa.
Congratulation to the PIs, mentors, and other team members!
