Advancing research management excellence through support of WARIMA Conference participants

During the recently concluded 16^th Annual Workshops and Conference organised by the West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA) held in  Lome, Togo from 27^th to 30^th January 2025, WANETAM demonstrated its commitment to advancing research excellence in West Africa by supporting the participation of two promising research professionals from its networks institutions.

The supported participants, Samba Lamine Cisse from the University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB) and Umri Uriyo from the Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation (IRESSEF), brought valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of research management in West Africa.

During the conference, Cisse, a Programme Associate at the USTTB University Clinical Research Centre (UCRC), presented on “Navigating a Changing Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges for Research Managers.” His presentation addressed the transformation of research project management in response to emerging trends, including digital technologies, multidisciplinary collaboration, open science, and the demand for high-impact results. Cisse’s work highlighted the critical need for research managers to adapt and innovate in this dynamic environment.

“Being in contact with a diverse network of research managers from several African countries at the conference provided me with invaluable insights into innovative strategies and best practices in research management,” Cisse reflected. “This experience not only strengthened my expertise but also opened up new avenues for collaboration and career advancement, enabling me to contribute more effectively to the changing research landscape on the continent” he added.

Uriyo, Project Operations Officer at IRESSEF, brought a forward-thinking perspective with his presentation on “Forecast and Co-pilot: The Combination of Two Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications Capable of Revolutionising Project Management Practices.” His work showcased practical applications of AI in research management, demonstrating how these tools can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in project execution.

“My greatest challenge during the conference was easing concerns about AI” Uriyo noted. “By showcasing practical techniques, I demonstrated how AI can streamline workflows and even open new possibilities. This experience has empowered me to advocate for AI adoption amongst my colleagues and collaborate with other organisations to expand training opportunities” he emphasised.

WANETAM’s support of these participants reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening research capacity in West Africa. By investing in professional development opportunities like the WARIMA conference, WANETAM continues to play a crucial role in advancing scientific research excellence and innovation across the region. Such investments are vital in positioning West African research institutions at the forefront of global scientific advancement whilst addressing critical health challenges in the sub-region.

The participation of Cisse and Uriyo at the WARIMA conference exemplifies how WANETAM’s support can facilitate knowledge exchange, foster innovation, and strengthen research management capabilities across West African institutions. Their contributions will not only enhance their professional development but also contribute to the broader goal of building a robust research infrastructure in West Africa.