BLANTYRE, MALAWI – October 2025 – The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) announces that Wellcome has approved a new seven-year core grant to underpin MLW’s scientific strategy, training programme, and research initiatives from 2025 – 2032. The award will strengthen Malawi-led, globally connected research that tackles infectious diseases, maternal, neonatal, and child health, health systems, and social determinants, as well as climate and mental health, while expanding world-class training for the next generation of African research leaders.
“This funding from Wellcome is a vote of confidence in the hard work and dedication of our teams and in Malawi’s role at the forefront of global health research,” says Professor Henry Mwandumba, Programme Director, MLW. “It will allow us to scale high-impact health research, accelerate clinical trials, invest in data science and innovation, and deepen our commitment to training and equitable partnerships that translate research into better health outcomes. We are incredibly grateful for Wellcome’s continued partnership and shared vision for a healthier future.”
“The funding highlights Wellcome’s ongoing commitment to solving urgent health challenges faced by communities worldwide” – Prof. Mwandumba
Jimmy Volmink, Executive Director of Equity at Wellcome, said:
“Producing pioneering research and consistently investing in new generations of researchers, the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme has made a remarkable impact in advancing global health since first being established 30 years ago.
“We are delighted to continue our support for MLW, collaborating with our funding partners, ensuring the Programme can foster learning and discovery to find solutions to urgent health challenges.”
What the Award Enables (2025–2032)
The 2025-2032 core funding will be instrumental in strengthening MLW’s research and training infrastructure, culture, and public engagement, expanding its impact as an international centre of excellence in interdisciplinary health research and training.
Health research that matters for Malawi and the region: reducing infectious-disease burden; improving maternal, neonatal, and child outcomes; building resilient health systems to climate shocks; advancing vaccines and surveillance; and embedding mental health across programmes.
Talent and leadership: a significantly expanded training pipeline for Malawian and regional scientists and research professionals, building on one of Africa’s most effective track records in converting early-career support into externally funded Master’s, PhDs, and fellowships.
Stronger policy impact and partnerships: deeper collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, University of Liverpool, MEIRU, and regional and global partners to speed translation of evidence into policy and practice.
New and enhanced platforms: an Integrated Clinical Trials Unit, a Data Science & Computational Modelling Unit, and an Innovation & Translation Hub, alongside strengthened ISO-accredited laboratory, field sites, biorepository, and clinical research facilities.
For more information about MLW’s plans, please visit mlw.mw.
Partner Reactions
Professor Macpherson Mallewa, Vice Chancellor, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KuHES) said:
“The approval of this significant core grant marks a transformative moment for our affiliate the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme. This funding will not only enhance our capabilities in health research but also enhance the development of the next generation of African scientists. Our collaboration with MLW reinforces our commitment to addressing critical health challenges in Malawi and beyond. Together, we will drive innovation and ensure that our research translates into meaningful health improvements for our communities.”
Professor Bertie Squire, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Partnerships at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine:
“For 30 years, the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme has demonstrated how equitable partnerships in global health can save lives. Together with our partners, we are proud to continue to support MLW’s success, delivering outstanding translational research to tackle the burden of disease and training the next generation of scientists and health leaders in the region.”
Professor Louise Kenny, Executive Pro Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool said:
“This new Wellcome funding is an endorsement of MLW’s world-class research and training environment, and it will further strengthen Malawi-led science with global reach. Together with our partners, we are committed to supporting the next generation of African research leaders and advancing discoveries that directly improve health and wellbeing in Malawi and beyond.”
About the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme (MLW)
Founded in 1995 and based at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre with field sites in Blantyre, Chikwawa and collaborations throughout Malawi. MLW conducts high-quality research to improve health and train the next generation of researchers and leaders in Malawi. Research at MLW is organised into six research themes, Population Health, Infection Biology, Vaccines, Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Social Science and Health Systems and Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health, enabled by core research support units and operations services. The new CREATOR building expands collaborative research and training space.
Proven Impact to Build On
MLW’s work has helped shape policy and practice in Malawi and internationally, from the typhoid conjugate vaccine trial that informed WHO recommendations and national rollout, to TB diagnostic innovations such as urine LAM and AI-assisted chest X-ray interpretation that shortened time to treatment and influenced WHO guidance, to national maternal health data systems (MATSurvey) and sepsis bundles improving facility care. These exemplify MLW’s model: rigorous science, enabling platforms, strong partnerships, and policy engagement.
To learn more about MLW’s achievements, visit mlw.mw.
Media Contact:
Name: Lindiwe Mafuleka
Email: lmafuleka@mlw.mw
Title: Communications & Public Engagement Manager
Website: mlw.mw
