Editor,

RE: "Biomedical centre seeks ways to strengthen research” (The New Times, December 22).

It is encouraging news that Rwanda Biomedical Center has been carrying out research in the fields of health. The institution should plan for annual conferences to discuss on this research outcomes, as well as putting the research papers (unless they are confidential) on their website for easy access.

That said, there is need to identify how this institution works with National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) which has the national mandate to regulate science, technology and innovation research; to mobilize funds and manage the National Research and Innovation Fund; to cooperate with regional and international centers of excellence. This mandate appears to be what would resolve the RBC concerns on their own research including the issue of funding and regulation/guidelines concerning research projects.

This issue is much wider however because NCST would have to develop a framework in which other public and private institutions with research mandates can be facilitated to carry out much needed research.

In addition to the much needed academic research, a number of government institutions have research-related roles in their mission specific to their sector needs, e.g. Rwanda Agricultural Board, Rwanda Information Society Authority, Rwanda Housing Authority as some that immediately come to mind.

Africa has a rich research output potential and it’s high time for Rwanda to recognize this in our own country and be more proactive to exploit this resource.

MG