Former EAHRC Executive Secretary has been Appointed as New Chief Executive of Africa Research Excellence Fund

As reported by AREF website that "We are delighted to announce that Professor Gibson Kibiki MD, M.Med, PhD has been appointed as our new Chief Executive and will lead the next phase of our development as we expand our offer and increase the impact that we have on African health researchers.

Professor Kibiki is a professor of medicine and consultant physician and endoscopist, who was previously the Founder and CEO of the East African Health Research Commission of the East African Community, and the Founding Director of the Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute.

For over twenty-five years he has served as an academician, clinician, research scientist, and leader in the health sector, holding academic positions in Africa, North America, and Europe.

He has technical and managerial expertise through many years of working in the medical field in Africa and collaborating with institutions from the global North and has been key in the establishment of various regional and international research and research capacity development programmes.

Strengthening health research capacity in Africa

Commenting on his appointment as Chief Executive, Professor Kibiki said:

“The current intensity and density of human interaction and integration due to global trade, investment, and technological advancement, are unprecedented. People are closer than ever before. Globalisation, however, has also increased health threats: Ebola and COVID-19 have shown us how a disease outbreak from a single spot can wreak havoc worldwide.

Effective research capacity globally is imperative to detect and respond to health challenges, and to abate the associated negative socio-economic consequences. I have long supported AREF’s mission to strengthen health research capacity in Africa, and with support from donors, we can ensure it has global success and impact.”

Ensuring emerging African researchers become research leaders of tomorrow

Professor Sir Tumani Corrah, Founder and co-President of AREF, said:

“I am proud of all that AREF has achieved over the past 6 years impacting on the careers of emerging African health researchers who are winning research funds, publishing their research findings in peer reviewed journals, gaining promotions in their research and staying in Africa. Following such great success stories, the time is right to hand over the baton to others who will take AREF to higher heights.

I am thrilled that Professor Gibson Kibiki is taking on this role. His knowledge, understanding and experience of what Africa needs to do excellent science in Africa for Africa and Global Health, stands him in good stead to ensure emerging African research talents are equipped to become research leaders of tomorrow.”

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Professor Nick Lemoine CBE said:

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our delight in Professor Kibiki’s appointment as AREF’s new Chief Executive.

He has a proven track record providing sound leadership, developing strategic programmes, and transforming organisations towards sustainable success – and we look forward to this next phase of enhancement and growth for AREF."