Professor Edwine Barasa Appointed as Executive Director of the KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme

Professor Edwine Barasa has been appointed as the Executive Director of the KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme (KWRP), following the completion of a highly competitive recruitment process conducted by the Programme’s partners: the University of Oxford, KEMRI, and Wellcome.

The partners commended Professor Barasa’s exceptional leadership during his tenure as Interim Executive Director, noting his ability to guide the Programme with confidence and purpose. They highlighted the external panel’s strong endorsement, which was based on his clear vision and ambitious strategic plans. The partners concluded unanimously that, under his continued leadership, the Programme is well positioned to flourish and deliver substantial, lasting impacts on global health and well-being.

“I am excited about the journey ahead and thank the partners for their trust in me to steward the Programme. My commitment is to strengthen its impact as we continue to build a Programme that delivers outstanding science, shapes policy and practice, develops the next generation of African research leaders, and provides solutions to some of the most pressing health challenges of our time,” Professor Barasa stated.

He also expressed confidence in the Programme’s unified focus and spirit of collaboration, inclusivity, and mutual respect, assuring stakeholders of its continued scientific excellence and impact.