The NextGen Research Fellowship: Shaping Rwanda’s Future, One Study at a Time

Research, But Make It NextGen!

What happens when you mix raw ambition, cutting-edge research, and a sprinkle of mentorship? You get the NextGen Research Fellowship, an intensive three-month program that is not just another academic exercise but a movement revolutionizing Rwanda’s healthcare landscape.

Research isn’t just about theories and textbooks, it's about solving real-world challenges that impact lives. The NextGen Fellowship, powered by Africa Quantitative Sciences (AQS), is here to change the game. This program isn’t just about learning; it’s about doing. Fellows don’t just collect data; they transform it into solutions that matter.

The Why Behind NextGen

Let’s face it, Rwanda, like many countries, is sitting on a goldmine of healthcare data. As Dr. Eric Remera, PhD emphasized during the first cohort's graduation, a clear methodology is essential for measuring innovation's impact. He also highlighted the role of mentorship and collaboration in strengthening research capacity, as well as the need for digital transformation to enhance data-driven decision-making. But data alone doesn’t save lives. The gap? The ability of healthcare professionals to extract meaningful insights and turn them into real-world impact. That’s where NextGen steps in.

With a rigorous curriculum blending qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods, fellows learn how to:

• Identify pressing health challenges
• Conduct high-quality, ethical research
• Master abstract and manuscript writing for effective research dissemination
• Present findings that shape healthcare policies

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Numbers That Speak Volumes

As of last weekend on the 7th February 2025, 127 aspiring researchers had embarked on this journey, with 72 successfully completing the program, marking a major milestone in Rwanda’s healthcare research landscape. Their research has touched everything from disease prevention strategies to healthcare policy improvements. Several fellows are preparing to present their research at upcoming national and international conferences, ensuring their findings contribute to the broader scientific community. One notable example is a NextGen fellow whose study on maternal healthcare efficiency is set to influence best practices in local hospitals. If confirmed, this platform would provide our fellows with an opportunity to showcase their findings, connect with global experts, and contribute to shaping the future of healthcare education in Africa.

What’s Next for Our Fellows?

With the first cohort's graduation now behind us, the impact is just beginning. Armed with research prowess, our NextGen alumni are stepping into roles where they can:

• Collaborate with institutions like the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) to support healthcare research initiatives
• Drive innovation in healthcare facilities
• Publish groundbreaking research that informs global health decisions

And let’s not forget the power of networking, our fellows now have access to a growing community of mentors, industry leaders, and fellow researchers who can help propel their careers forward.

Looking Ahead: Bigger, Bolder, Better

With the NextGen Research Symposium successfully held on February 7, 2024, we take inspiration from the words of Dr Brenda Asiimwe Kateera , who stressed the importance of research in solving real-world problems and shaping policy decisions. She encouraged fellows to ensure their findings are applied in practice and to maintain a growth mindset in their research journey. Now, with our first cohort graduated, we are reflecting on the milestone achieved and looking ahead, welcoming a new wave of future health innovators who will tackle pressing challenges and translate research into actionable solutions. The symposium fostered deep discussions on groundbreaking research, the challenges of implementing findings, and how policy and funding gaps can be addressed to drive real healthcare improvements.

Get Involved

Rwanda’s research revolution is here, and you can be a part of it! Whether you’re a student, healthcare professional, policymaker, or potential sponsor, there’s room for everyone to contribute.

How can you participate?

• Join the NextGen Program – If you’re a healthcare student or professional eager to advance your research skills, this is your opportunity.
• Support Research Initiatives – Whether through funding, mentorship, or institutional collaboration, your support can shape the future of healthcare in Rwanda.
• Spread the Word – Know someone who should be a part of this movement? Encourage them to explore NextGen and see how they can contribute.

The foundation for the future of health research in Rwanda is being laid today, brick by brick, study by study. And it’s NextGen.

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