The 4th Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) Research Dissemination
Conference (RDC4) proved to be more than a showcase of cutting-edge science; it was
a resounding celebration of women’s leadership in research and innovation. Under the
theme “Multidisciplinary Health Research and Innovation: Key to Economic
Development”, the conference brought together Malawi’s brightest minds, but it was the
women presenters who took center stage.
During the Research Excellence Awards, most of the top presentation winners were
women, reflecting the growing strength and influence of female researchers in Malawi’s
academic and scientific spaces. Their studies spanned critical health areas including
maternal health, infectious diseases, mental health, and health systems strengthening,
fields that are not only vital to national development but deeply tied to the well-being of
communities.
From early-career scientists to seasoned researchers, the diversity of women
presenters demonstrated how far gender equity in research has come. For instance, Dr.
Brenda Kwambana, who delivered a keynote on “Scaling Diagnostic Innovation in
Malawi: Local Solutions, Global Impact”, inspired young women scientists to pursue
bold, globally relevant research rooted in local realities.
Similarly, presentations from Ms. Tracy Chasima, Ms. Felluna Chisi Chauwa, Mrs. Olive
Kalata, and Dr. Alinane Nyondo-Mipando highlighted how women are leading
transformative research across climate health, maternal care, and sexual and
reproductive health. Their work exemplified the conference’s spirit that innovation must
be inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable.
Prof. Janelisa Musaya, who chaired the Best Presentations Awards session, remarked
that “seeing women dominate the winners’ list is a powerful indicator of where Malawi’s
research ecosystem is heading, toward a more inclusive, evidence-driven, and
equitable future.”
The success of women at RDC4 not only celebrated academic excellence but also
signaled a generational shift. It underscored that when women are supported,
mentored, and given platforms to share their science, the entire research landscape
thrives.
As the conference closed, the applause wasn’t just for scientific achievement; it was for
progress, perseverance, and the promise of a more gender-balanced future in research