The University of Nairobi's annual STD/HIV/SRH Collaborative Research Group meeting kicked off on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Serena Hotel, bringing together leading scientists, public health experts, and stakeholders. The opening days set a powerful tone, emphasizing not just scientific presentation but crucial dialogue on the future of research in a changing global landscape.

Day 1: Setting the Stage for Strategic Dialogue

Dr. Marianne Mureithi, co-chairing the opening ceremonies and Session I, welcomed participants by highlighting the meeting's core purpose. She noted the importance of being together "not just to discuss science but to have a dialogue of where we are going next." She stressed the need to align research with the questions of the populations served and to ensure inclusive stakeholder involvement for collective progress.

The opening ceremony was graced by the University's senior leadership, underscoring the institution's deep commitment to collaborative research. In attendance were the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hutchinson; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation & Enterprise, Prof. Kerubo; the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Daniel Ojuka; and the Chair of the Department of Medical Microbiology, Prof. Odongo. Their presence highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership to the University's mission.

The morning's scientific sessions featured a highlight of current research activities within the University's Faculty of Health Sciences, including work from KAVI-ICR and CEMA. Dr. Daniel Muema presented on KAVI-ICR's robust research portfolio, capacity for critical endpoint analysis, recent outputs, and focus on producing essential research materials and reagents.

A critical focus of Day 1 was navigating the evolving funding environment. Dr. Mureithi contributed to a vital panel discussion on "Navigating Grant Applications in the Changing Global Health Funding Landscape." The panel, featuring experts from multiple institutions, brainstormed solutions such as strengthening collaborations, leveraging institutional strengths, diversifying local funding sources, and mastering the art of communicating research impact to find sustainable, local solutions.

Day 2: Advancing the Fight Against HPV and Cervical Cancer

On Tuesday, Dr. Mureithi co-chaired the pivotal session on "Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer: From Immune Defence to Health Systems Integration" alongside renowned expert Prof. John Doorbar, who also delivered a keynote address.

The session was a deep dive into the science and implementation of cervical cancer prevention. Presentations spanned from basic science to applied public health, discussing the integration of screening and treatment into the healthcare system. The session concluded with a dynamic panel discussion, synthesizing the day's insights and charting a path forward for research and policy.

The first two days successfully framed the week's discussions, balancing cutting-edge science from all collaborating and partnering institutions with strategic conversations on sustainability and impact. The collaborative spirit promises a week of fruitful exchange and planning for the future of HIV, SRH, and STI research in Kenya and beyond.