The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) opened its Annual Research Meeting (ARM) 2025 at the NMIMR Conference Hall, University of Ghana, under the theme “Advancing Healthcare Through Impactful Research and Innovation.” The week-long event brought together researchers, partners, and stakeholders to showcase the Institute’s scientific achievements, strengthen collaborations, and inspire the next generation of scientists.
Some invited guests at the ARM 2025 event at the Conference Hall.
In her opening address, Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director of NMIMR, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to its three core mandates; conducting research into diseases of public health importance, providing specialized diagnostics to support global health interventions, and building the capacity of the next generation of scientists. She said, “Our work in disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, and scientific research ensures that NMIMR remains a pillar of Ghana’s public health system and a globally respected institution”.
Prof. Yeboah-Manu also acknowledged scientists whose work earned global recognition. She highlighted Prof. Daniel Boakye’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Kyelem Prize and recognition as an ASTMH Distinguished International Fellow. She also praised Prof. George Armah’s election as Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences and recipient of the Rotavirus Champion Award.
She announced that NMIMR has secured approval to host its own MPhil and PhD programmes in One Health, and the Institute will welcome the first cohort in January 2026. She described this as a major milestone in addressing emerging health challenges through integrated, multidisciplinary approaches and expressed appreciation to staff, partners, and collaborators.
Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director of NMIMR, welcomes participants to the 10th ARM, highlighting the Institute’s mandate and global contributions.
Prof. Alfred Edwin Yawson, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, commended NMIMR for its contributions to research and public health. He said, “This meeting reminds us that collaboration drives innovation and that science must always be purposeful to impact healthcare.” Prof. Yawson also emphasized the importance of translating research into solutions that serve communities, strengthen health systems, and inform policy.
Prof. Alfred Edwin Yawson, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, commends NMIMR’s research impact and emphasizes collaboration in advancing healthcare.
The Minister for Health who was the Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, praised NMIMR’s pivotal role in national disease surveillance and diagnostics. He announced that the Government of Ghana has finalized arrangements for the acquisition of a Disaster Victim Identification (DVA) DNA testing device for NMIMR, following the recent need to send DNA samples abroad after the August 6 helicopter crash. The Minister said, “The President has instructed that a DVA DNA testing device be acquired for Noguchi so that Ghana can handle such sensitive tests locally.” He also commended NMIMR for its leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing contributions to national and global health research.
Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health, announces the acquisition of a DVA DNA testing device to strengthen national diagnostic capacity.
Representatives from partner institutions, including the World Health Organization and the National Vaccine Institute, also underscored NMIMR’s role in disease surveillance, vaccine research, and collaborative health interventions, describing the Institute as a trusted partner in strengthening national and global health systems.
During the scientific session, the keynote speaker, Prof. Beverly Egyir, Associate Professor at NMIMR, addressed the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in Ghana. She explained that misuse and overuse of antibiotics are leading to treatment failure, prolonged illness, and preventable deaths. She highlighted the limited laboratory capacity in Africa and stressed the importance of implementing national action plans in line with WHO’s global strategy. “Our fight against antibiotic resistance must be informed by evidence, supported by laboratories, and guided by strong policies,” she said.
Prof. Beverly Egyir presents on the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance in Ghana, calling for evidence-based interventions.
The ARM also featured scientific sessions, poster and oral presentations, panel discussions, debates, and an Open Day. The Open Day is designed for young students to gain meaningful exposure to biomedical research at NMIMR and to inspire deeper interest in scientific research.
The week-long meeting further highlighted NMIMR’s leadership in biomedical research, strengthened collaboration with local and international partners, and showcased the Institute’s contributions to advancing public health in Ghana and beyond.
Highlights from the 2025 Annual Research Meeting (ARM 2025) at NMIMR, University of Ghana.