KEMRI and Thermo Fisher Scientific Deepen Ties in Scientific Collaboration

The Institute hosted a delegation from Thermo Fisher Scientific, on 29th July,2025 marking a key milestone in the journey to formalize their long-standing scientific collaboration. The visiting team was led by Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Director – Strategic Key Accounts & Partnerships Mr. Virasath Khan.

The delegation held strategic discussions with KEMRI’s Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, and a team of KEMRI scientists including Acting Deputy Director Center for Biotechnology Research Development (CBRD) Dr. Erick Lelo, Acting Deputy Director Biotechnology Programme, Dr. Damaris Matoke-Muhia, and Acting Deputy Director, Natural Products Research and Drug Development (NAPREDA), Dr. James Kuria. The engagement focused on strengthening their working relationship and exploring new avenues for scientific and technological partnership in health research and innovation.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global leader in scientific instrumentation and laboratory solutions, has had a longstanding informal relationship with KEMRI, providing support in laboratory equipment, training, and research technologies and a major partner in KEMRI’s Annual Scientific Conference (KASH)

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Songok expressed appreciation for the continued support from Thermo Fisher team and interest in KEMRI’s research mission.

“ Thermo Fisher is not new to us, you have supported KEMRI for a long time, especially in KASH conference, we are pleased to engage more formally with you now. We are glad to engage with you in new areas of collaboration,” said Prof. Songok. “We are especially excited about capacity building which will enable us equip the next generation of scientists,” he added.

During the discussions, Dr. Matoke highlighted the longstanding collaboration between the firm  and the Institute’s Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development (CBRD), particularly in molecular research. She stressed the critical need for continuous capacity building among scientists, especially as the Centre looks to acquire advanced Thermo Fisher equipment to support gene-related studies that directly benefit local communities.

Dr. Matoke noted that the Centre is actively conducting research on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), with a particular focus on cancer, as part of its flagship initiatives. The goal, she said, is to better understand the genetic makeup of local populations to enhance screening, develop targeted diagnostics, and significantly reduce turnaround times through the deployment of real-time detection platforms.

Her remarks were echoed by Dr. Lelo, who welcomed the collaboration and acknowledged that Thermo Fisher’s advanced facilities could play a key role in supporting the Institute’s flagship projects, particularly in the areas of precision medicine and cancer research.

The discussions highlighted key areas of potential partnership, including advanced laboratory technologies, technical training, molecular diagnostics, and capacity building to support health research across KEMRI’s national network of centers.

Mr. Khan reaffirmed Thermo Fisher Scientific’s commitment to supporting science-led development in Africa.“We believe in long-term, strategic partnerships that drive innovation and improve lives. KEMRI’s leadership in health research makes it an ideal partner in advancing our shared vision,” he stated.

He added that Thermo Fisher looks forward to establishing a structured framework to anchor the collaboration under three key objectives: access to new product innovations and innovation pipelines to support effective asset planning; knowledge transfer and training that connects local scientists with global research networks; and robust capacity building for the effective use of scientific equipment.

The formalization of this partnership is expected to catalyze scientific advancement and technology transfer, positioning KEMRI to better respond to emerging health challenges and to scale up its contribution to global health research.

The delegation from Thermo Fisher Scientist also included Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Business Development Africa Mr. Denis Kileba, Channel manager – East Africa, George Okoth and Sales Director, Chris April. Present from KEMRI also included Research Scientist, Mr. Ibrahim Mwangi, Mr. Barnabas Kimatoi from the Director General’s office and Contracts, Compliance and Pre Award Specialist at the Scientific Programmes, Partnerships and Grants Management (SPPGM), Ms. Jean Chepngetich.