The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) has officially launched its 2025 Quality Week, reaffirming its commitment to excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement in biomedical research and healthcare. The event, held at the institute, brought together distinguished guests, representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), government officials, researchers, stakeholders, collaborators and partners.
In her welcoming remarks, Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director, NMIMR, underscored the institute’s dedication to sustaining a culture of quality in research and healthcare. She highlighted NMIMR’s journey toward ISO accreditation, noting significant progress over the past three years.
“When we embarked on our accreditation journey, our goal was to have four out of nine departments accredited. Today, I am pleased to announce that five departments have successfully achieved accreditation, with a sixth nearing completion,” she stated.
Professor Alfred Edwin Yawson, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, commended NMIMR for its steadfast commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in biomedical research and laboratory services. He emphasized that rigorous quality management is fundamental to ensuring accurate research outcomes, which, in turn, inform evidence-based healthcare decisions and policy formulation.
“Quality is the foundation of scientific progress. Without stringent standards, research loses credibility, and its impact diminishes,” he noted.
Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST), lauded NMIMR’s efforts in advancing biomedical research and fostering collaborations with both national and international institutions. He highlighted the critical role of quality-driven research in tackling pressing global health challenges such as climate change, emerging diseases, and epidemic preparedness.
“The contribution of research institutes like NMIMR to strengthening healthcare systems and improving service delivery cannot be overstated,” he remarked.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of NMIMR’s ISO certification, a testament to the institute’s commitment to international quality standards. The official outdooring of the certificate marked a significant milestone in NMIMR’s pursuit of research excellence. The audience applauded the dedication and teamwork that made this achievement possible.
In a special address, Professor Dziedzorm De Sousa, Head of Department, Clinical Pathology, NMIMR, spoke on the importance of sustainability in quality systems and national programs. He emphasized that upholding high standards extends beyond compliance. Prof. De Sousa said, it requires integrating sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental conservation.
“A robust quality system ensures research integrity, attracts funding, and strengthens global partnerships,” he noted.
A special plenary session moderated by Dr. Charles Quaye, Research Fellow and Quality and Safety Manager at the Department Parasitology, focused on the significance of NMIMR’s ISO certification and strategies for leveraging it for future growth. Panellists explored key topics, including maintaining accreditation, upholding quality standards, and fostering global research collaborations.
Representatives from JICA, the Food Research Institute, and the Water Research Institute, key partners and collaborators of NMIMR, congratulated the institute on this milestone achievement. They commended NMIMR’s dedication to maintaining high research standards and strengthening scientific excellence through collaborative efforts
As NMIMR continues to set new benchmarks in biomedical research and healthcare innovation, Quality Week serves as a powerful reminder of the institute’s collective responsibility toward excellence. With a firm commitment to quality, NMIMR is poised for further breakthroughs that will shape the future of healthcare and scientific research.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where attendees interacted with experts on quality management principles. Staff members were encouraged to embrace continuous learning, excellence, and compliance in their daily work.
