Collaboration with Makerere University

The collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Makerere University is one of the most comprehensive international collaborations at KI, ranging from education to research activities and the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health.

Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and Ole Petter Ottersen, President of KI meeting at Makerere University 5 May 2022
Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and Ole Petter Ottersen, President of KI meeting at Makerere University 5 May 2022 Photo: Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and Ole Petter Ottersen, President of KI. Photo: Timothy Nkwasibwe

A strong partnership for mutual benefit

The collaboration started in 2000 and was initially focused on research. A Memorandum of Understanding as well as an agreement regarding doctoral education were signed in 2003. The cooperation expanded to include exchange of students and teachers within several educational programmes. With time, an active alumni network of hundreds of healthcare professionals and researchers has grown and reflects the success of the collaboration. 2021 a new Memorandum of understanding was signed between the two universities and to further deepen the collaboration, the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health was established in 2021.

This is an important next step in the long-standing collaboration. Deepening our partnership will be a significant contribution to increase action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda.

Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor Makerere University

My vision is that the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health will help transform how research and policies are formulated and conducted in the area of sustainable health.

Ole Petter Ottersen, President Karolinska Institutet

Collaboration on all levels

Collaboration on bachelor's and master’s level

More than 300 students and teachers at both universities have taken part in exchange mobility since 2001, through scholarships from the Swedish Linnaeus-Palme programme, financed by Sweden’s government agency for development cooperation Sida, KI travel grants, funding raised by alumni and the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme.

More information on the collaboration on bachelor's and master's education

Collaboration on doctoral education

In 2003, the universities established a collaborative doctoral programme. The collaboration has been financed through the Sida Research Training Partnership Programme 2001-2022, and has resulted in more than 40 PhD graduates and more than 500 peer reviewed articles.

More information on the collaboration on doctoral education

Research collaboration

Over the last 20 years, KI and Makerere have collaborated closely in research areas such as HIV, sexual and reproductive health, infant care, malaria, tuberculosis, global health, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and mental health.

More information on the research collaboration

MB
Content reviewer:
10-07-2023