The KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR), University of Nairobi, was honored to host Professor Isabel Lucas, Pro Vice Chancellor of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), during her formal visit to the institute. The visit marked an important step toward strengthening academic and research collaborations between the two institutions.

Prof. Lucas was welcomed by Dr. Marianne Mureithi, Director of KAVI-ICR, alongside Prof. Omu Anzala, Founding Director of KAVI-ICR, Dr. Daniel Muema, Senior Scientist at KAVI-ICR, and Dr. Michael Mutua, Medical Manager. Also present at the meeting were the new Chair of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Prof. David Odongo, and Dr. Winny Mutai, Acting Director of UNITID, representing UNITID Director Prof. Julius Oyugi. Several KAVI-ICR section heads, faculty members, and researchers also participated.

The day’s programme featured presentations from both LSTM and KAVI-ICR, interactive discussions, and a guided tour of the institute’s laboratories, clinical units, and community engagement facilities.

In her presentation, Prof. Lucas highlighted LSTM’s mission of improving health outcomes in disadvantaged populations globally through equitable partnerships in research and education. She emphasized LSTM’s values of inclusivity, integrity, partnership, and impact, as well as opportunities for joint postgraduate training programmes, staff exchange, and research capacity strengthening.

KAVI-ICR and LSTM already enjoy a strong partnership, with ongoing collaborative projects such as the ZAFI study and the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Stillbirth and Neonatal Death in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The visit aimed to build on this foundation by exploring new opportunities, including a possible dual degree pathway between the University of Nairobi and LSTM.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Marianne Mureithi noted:

“This visit is a clear demonstration of our shared commitment to equitable partnerships that create local impact while contributing to global health solutions. We look forward to a strengthened collaboration that not only advances research but also expands opportunities for our students and staff.”

Prof. Omu Anzala echoed the importance of such collaborations in sustaining KAVI-ICR’s legacy of excellence in clinical research. The visit concluded with one-on-one meetings, setting the stage for formalizing the partnership between KAVI-ICR and LSTM beyond the current projects. Both institutions expressed optimism that this collaboration will enhance scientific innovation, education, and health outcomes in Kenya and beyond.