According to AKU’s newly launched research strategic plan, one of the University’s core priorities is to foster a supportive environment for early-career researchers. A significant milestone of this roadmap was the launch of the Research Initiative for Scholars Excellence (RISE) programme.
The RISE programme is designed to build the capacity of early-career faculty through a comprehensive eight-month course. The inaugural RISE cohort will focus on health sciences, with plans to expand this model to social sciences for future cohorts.
The inaugural RISE cohort of 21 participants will receive extensive training in grant writing, research methodology, leadership development, and academic career advancement. Each participant is paired with an experienced mentor who will provide personalised guidance and support throughout the hybrid programme.
The programme was officially launched with a ceremony attended by participants from Pakistan, Kenya, and Tanzania, as well as University leaders.
Dr Salim Virani, AKU Vice Provost Research emphasised the importance of the RISE programme stating, "This initiative is a testament to our commitment to fostering a new generation of researchers who will lead AKU into the future. The RISE programme represents a critical investment in our young academic colleagues. We are excited to see the innovative research and collaborations that will emerge from this initiative."
AKU Provost Dr Carl Amrhein addressed the programme’s participants expressing his support while also challenging them. "Some of you are at the most productive stages of your careers, and some of you are just getting started. But it is you, the RISE graduates, who will be expected to take AKU ever more aggressively into the future," he said.
The RISE leadership from Pakistan and East Africa also shared their insights and expectations for the programme, highlighting the unique opportunities it offers for cross-regional collaboration and knowledge sharing. The leadership team includes Dr Zahra Hoodbhoy, Dr Anthony Ngugi, Dr Aysha Almas, and Dr Eunice Muthoni Mwangi. The programme also benefits from the guidance of an esteemed external advisory board, including Dr Akber Waljee and Dr Jennifer Waljee from AKU’s partner University of Michigan, Dr Anwar Merchant from the University of South Carolina, Dr Evelyn Gitau from Science for Africa Foundation, and AKU alumnae Dr Nasia Safdar and Dr Sana Syed from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Virginia, respectively.
The RISE Programme addresses the critical need to develop a sustainable channel of skilled researchers who can advance knowledge and tackle societal challenges. Early-career researchers often face barriers in acquiring the necessary skills and mentorship to thrive. The RISE programme advances the University’s objective of being completely research-led by focusing on nurturing the next generation of research leaders.
