August 7th, 2024, marks a historic day for Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) as the President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, officially opened the doors of the CREATOR building, witnessed by local and international partners.
Staff members and invited guests, mingled in the corridors, setting the perfect scene and mood for the grand opening of the Clinical Research Excellence and Training Opening Resource (CREATOR) building.
During the opening ceremony, President Chakwera underscored the critical role of research in national development. He emphasized that scientific research is an indispensable element for any country’s growth and warned that a nation without strong research institutions is one that operates on ignorance and guesswork.
The President urged MLW and Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) to treat the CREATOR facility as a national service, focusing on research areas that add value to the problem-solving activities currently undertaken by the country.
“I want you to adopt a mindset similar to that of a tech company that invests billions in research and development. One of the major mindset shifts needed in our academic institutions is to consider our research as incomplete if it is not tied to development,” President Chakwera added.
He stressed the relevance of research for the socio-economic development of the country, noting that many of Malawi’s current challenges stem from decisions not informed by research but based on guesswork.
The CREATOR Building, which is expected to significantly enhance MLW’s research capacity over the next decade, aligns with the organization’s objectives of conducting excellent research and training the next generation of scientists.
Among others, this state-of-the-art infrastructure houses laboratories equipped with high-tech equipment crucial for delivering top-tier research, a 24-hour library providing limitless access to global knowledge, and an innovations hub designed to spark impactful ideas and solutions to global health challenges affecting Malawi and the broader sub-Saharan region.
During the ceremony, MLW’s Director, Prof. Henry Mwandumba, highlighted the importance of health research in achieving Vision 2063. “At MLW, we understand that the full realization of Vision 2063 depends on having a healthy population. Healthy farmers can make our mega farms productive, and only healthy guides can lead tourists up Mount Mulanje. Health is vital for the delivery of Vision 2063,” said Prof. Mwandumba.
He also explained that through the CREATOR building, MLW will attract and retain top talent in the country, which is crucial for major health innovations needed in Malawi and the region as well as inspire and develop a new generation of Malawian, African, and global health leaders.
Honorable Julia Gillard, Chairperson of the Wellcome Trust Board of Governors and former prime minister of Australia also attended the ceremony. She spoke about the global impact of the work done by MLW. On behalf of international partners, Hon. Gillard noted that the research conducted in Malawi has not only improved healthcare within the country but has also generated high-quality evidence that has informed global health guidelines, benefiting countless people worldwide.
Regarding the CREATOR building, she stated, “Looking back on 30 years of partnership and the challenges ahead, CREATOR is both a monument to success and an inspiration for the future.”
The multi-billion, five-story building, funded by Wellcome, University of Liverpool and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine stands as a beacon of hope and excellence, expected to increase research and training by 30% revolutionising how MLW delivers on its mission through increased collaboration, networking, mentorship, and efficiency in clinical trials.
