Education

2024 ICHAIR Week: NIMR Hosts Medical Science Students Across Nigeria, Rewards Excellent Young Researchers

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1 month ago

Dec 6, 2024.

The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) held its 14th annual International Conference on Health Advances, Innovation, and Research (ICHAIR), welcoming students from various institutions across Nigeria.

The ICHAIR conference, established in 2010, is an annual gathering of international biomedical professionals aimed at discussing critical issues in health, biomedical research, diagnostics, and emerging trends in pathology.

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This year’s edition featured sponsorship of medical students from institutions including the Federal University of Ilorin, Adamawa Teaching Hospital, and Borno State University, alongside researchers from other higher institutions.

The logistics and welfare of invited students were fully covered by the Melinda Gates Foundation and the Japan Institute of Corporate Affairs (JICA), the major sponsors of this year’s event.

The Director-General of NIMR, Professor John Obafunwa, welcomed prominent figures in biomedical science, including health administrators and academics. Notable dignitaries included Dr. Tunji Alausa, former Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare and current Minister of Education, and Professor Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health.

Professor Akinsanya Osibo of the University of Lagos’ Department of Community Medicine delivered the pre-conference keynote address at the 2024 ICHAIR conference, which took place from November 27 to November 29.

Furthermore, the event also featured the 12th distinguished lecture delivered by Dr. Agatha Inkiruke, Director of Research and Consultant Pediatrician from NIMR’s Department of Clinical Services. Several abstract and symposium sessions, along with a skill-building workshop on molecular biology, were held on the first day.

The second day of the official opening ceremony began with the Director-General Young Scientists Contest, in which participants demonstrated their research capabilities. Exceptional researchers were shortlisted for awards to be presented on the final day.

Also, Professor Akin Abayomi addressed the gathering, urging young scholars and medical researchers to adopt effective research methodologies for impactful outcomes. Day two also featured a panel discussion on Mpox, chaired by Professor Rosemary Ajuma and Professor Akin Abayomi.