Rodrick Emmanuel Sambakunsi is an emerging public engagement and community engagement and involvement (CEI/PE) practitioner with a strong commitment to advancing inclusive, participatory approaches in global health research. While maintaining his academic and institutional affiliations, he has remained actively engaged in the CEI/PE space, contributing to evolving practices, networks, and innovations that shape meaningful stakeholder involvement. Currently working as a Policy Engagement Support Fellow, supporting capacity strengthening, stakeholder mapping, and policy dialogue facilitation thereby bridging research and decision-making.

He has played a key role in the development of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) online CEI training, widely regarded as a transformative resource in the field for its emphasis on innovative, inclusive, and practical engagement strategies. In addition, he contributed to the NIHR podcast titled “Leaving No One Behind,” which highlights the importance of inclusivity, equity, and co-creation in the design and implementation of CEI activities.

Rodrick has also provided strategic support to research leadership in securing competitive global funding. Notably, he contributed to CEI components of successful applications for the NIHR Global Health Research Professorship Fellowships. These contributions underscore his expertise in aligning CEI principles with funder priorities and strengthening the quality of research proposals.

His practical experience extends to the design and implementation of community-focused initiatives aimed at addressing inequities in access to scientific knowledge.

An excellent communicator with excellent training and facilitating skills, Rodrick holds a master’s degree in communication of science and innovation, a BSc in Public Health, and an Oxford Executive Leadership Certificate from Oxford University.

His current interests include strengthening inclusive engagement models, revisiting equity-focused outreach strategies, and enhancing the integration of CEI within research and policy systems, particularly in low-resource settings.

Contact details: Email: rsambakunsi@mlw.mw