The work of the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRCG) is extremely important for both The Gambia and the sub region, particularly when considering the current challenges such as new emerging diseases, migration, food insecurity and climate change, on a background of global financial crisis.
As an Africa-based centre of excellence for scientific research and innovation with a vision to lead health research to save lives and improve health across the world, MRCG has an extremely important role to play in contributing to achieve the sustainable development goals in sub–Saharan Africa and beyond. Our activities, both in research and capacity building, continue supporting policy makers both in The Gambia and neighbouring countries for the formulation of health policies aimed at improving the health of local populations.
With more than 75 years of experience delivering research aimed at reducing the burden of illness and death in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, MRCG brings world-class research to The Gambia and is training the next generation of African scientists. The Unit's research portfolio is structured into the following three broad themes – Disease Control & Elimination, Nutrition & Planetary Health and Vaccines & Immunity. Each of these themes has specific objectives, areas of research and expertise.
The integration of the Unit into the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine provides a golden opportunity to conduct relevant, high-quality research, and to bring world class education closer to "the field", giving Gambians and other African students unparalleled opportunities. We will continue to implement innovative and relevant research and to build, nurture and empower African research talents.
"MRCG brings world-class research to The Gambia and is training the next generation of African scientists."
As Director for the past 10 years, I am very proud of our collective journey and commitment to our mission in The Gambia. Our staff, students and partners continue to demonstrate commitment in addressing health inequalities and challenges.
Our strength lies in our dedication to ensuring an inclusive work environment where all staff and students feel valued and can thrive and grow in their respective areas of work.
We will continue to promote diversity and equal opportunity, and a conducive environment with mutual trust and respect across the whole unit, including our field stations, and our wider community.
Welcome to the MRCG, a centre of excellence for research and capacity building in West Africa.
Umberto D’Alessandro
Director