KEMRI Strengthens Research Ties with French Institutions in High-Level Visit.

The visiting delegation from Université Côte d'Azur and the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) pose for a group photo with Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok and Senior Staff of KEMRI.

KEMRI hosted a high-level delegation from Université Côte d’Azur and the Institut de Recherché pour le Développement (IRD) on Wednesday, 9th, April 2025, aimed at expanding their existing partnership into new research frontiers, building upon a successful bio banking collaboration.

The visiting French team included Prof. Jeanick Brisswalter, President of Université Côte d’Azur; Prof. Cécile Sabourault, Vice-President of International Relations; and Dr. Marie Pierre, Head of Research for Africa at IRD. They were warmly received by Acting Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, and other senior officials.

*The Ag. DG Prof. Elijah Songok making his remark while President of Université Côte d’Azur Prof. Jeanick Brisswalter listens in during the visit.*

*President of University Côte d’Azur Prof. Jeanick Brisswalter and Vice-president of International Relationship Université Côte d’Azur Prof. Cécile Sabourault following the discussions.*

*Head of Research, Africa at the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) (Institute for Research Development) Dr. Marie Pierre making a statement.*

A central focus of the discussions was on expanding cooperation into four key areas: scientific training and capacity building—including access to Master’s programmes at Université Côte d’Azur; joint research projects in natural products such as fragrances, flavourings, and cosmetics; academic exchange programmes to foster cross-institutional learning; and the organization of a joint workshop to officially launch the expanded collaboration.

Leading the dialogue on natural product research was the team from the Center for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research (CTMDR), headed by Acting Deputy Director Dr. Ruth Nyangacha. Their expertise in indigenous and plant-based therapeutics aligns strongly with the proposed areas of cooperation.

“Our bio banking partnership laid the groundwork,” said Prof. Songok. “We’re now ready to extend our collaboration into new areas, particularly in natural product research, where our scientific goals align perfectly.”

*Ag. Deputy Director Centre for Traditional Medicine (CTMDR) Dr. Ruth Nyangacha making her presentation.*

CTMDR Research Scientist Dr Beatrice N. Irũngũ.

*CTMDR Research Scientist, Dr Esther Matu giving her remarks.*

Prof. Brisswalter echoed the enthusiasm, highlighting the convergence between fragrance chemistry and medicinal research. “There’s no strict boundary between perfume and medicine,” he remarked. “Many of the same natural compounds used in perfumery have therapeutic potential, and that’s where our collaboration with KEMRI becomes especially valuable.”

Prof. Songok concluded the meeting by reaffirming KEMRI’s commitment to formalizing the expanded partnership. “We value the support we’ve received in bio banking and are eager to launch the new initiatives we’ve discussed. Let’s move quickly to formalize this agreement.”

The visit marks a significant milestone in KEMRI’s efforts to forge strategic global partnerships that harness science, innovation, and indigenous knowledge to advance public health and biomedical research in Kenya and beyond.