On 15-20 June 2025, the EDCTP Forum took place in Kigali, Rwanda. Held every two years, this event is a unique opportunity for policymakers, researchers and other stakeholders to come together and advance global health through policy debates, scientific workshops and networking.
This year’s edition, held under the theme Better health through global research partnerships, featured several contributions from LINQ-supported projects. Across sessions, symposia and award ceremonies, these contributions highlighted the value of strong Africa-Europe research partnerships and the scientific leadership emerging from collaborative global health initiatives.
Advancing hookworm vaccine research through controlled human infection studies
Researchers from the WORMVACS2.0 project presented findings from work using controlled human hookworm infection (CHHI) models to better understand protective immune responses to parasitic worms.
As part of WORMVACS2.0, these studies are being conducted in both endemic and non-endemic countries, contributing to a broader effort to inform the development of vaccine candidates against parasitic worm infections. At the Forum, Christine Ndong and Ayodele Alabi from CERMEL, a WORMVACS2.0 partner institution in Gabon, presented findings from the controlled human hookworm infection work carried out in Gabon.
Their contribution underlined the importance of conducting high-quality immunological and clinical research in endemic settings and demonstrated how locally generated evidence can help shape the next steps in vaccine development.
GenEpi Network Symposium highlights collaboration across projects, funders and continents
The GenEpi network, which brings together leading African and European genomic scientists and policymakers and collaborative networks funded by EDCTP and the Gates Foundation, held a dedicated symposium at the Forum.The symposium was initiated by the GenEpi Network Communications Working Group under the coordination of LINQ management GmbH, reflecting LINQ’s role in supporting cross-project communication, visibility and collaboration within the cluster.The symposium introduced the wider GenEpi Network, which brings together over 50 institutions from 29 countries. Speakers presented examples of how network partners are strengthening genomic surveillance, outbreak preparedness and rapid response capacities across sub-Saharan Africa.Prof Tulio de Oliveira, coordinator of the GenPath Africa project, closed the symposium with a presentation on international collaboration to strengthen genomic surveillance efforts in sub-Saharan Africa.The session demonstrated the added value of connecting projects across funders, disciplines and regions - not only to exchange knowledge, but also to build sustainable genomic infrastructure, workforce capacity and collaborative science.
Scientific Leadership Prize for GenPath Africa coordinator
A further highlight of the Forum was the recognition of Prof Tulio de Oliveira with this year’s Scientific Leadership Prize for African men.
The prize honoured his pivotal role in South Africa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he helped establish a genomic surveillance network that identified both the beta and omicron variants. The experience gained during the pandemic continues to inform GenPath Africa’s work to strengthen epidemic preparedness and response through genomic epidemiology.
This recognition was not only a celebration of individual scientific leadership, but also a reminder of the power of sustained investment in African-led research, data systems and public health capacity.
Strong partnerships for stronger global health
Taken together, the contributions from WORMVACS2.0, the GenEpi Network and GenPath Africa illustrated the breadth and quality of research partnerships supported by LINQ. From vaccine research and controlled human infection studies to genomic surveillance, environmental monitoring and epidemic preparedness, these initiatives show how collaborative science can generate knowledge, build capacity and contribute to stronger health systems.
The 12th EDCTP Forum once again highlighted the importance of equitable research partnerships between African and European institutions. LINQ is proud to support projects and networks throughout our project portfolio that foster scientific excellence, strengthen collaboration and contribute to better health through global research partnerships.