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UR Partners with stakeholders to launch Msc and PhD program in Biotechnology

24 Apr 2023

The University of Rwanda witnessed the launch of Msc and PhD program in Biotechnology. This program was developed in a joint support by European Union Delegation to Rwanda through Enabel ; a Belgian Development Agency in Rwanda. The move was initiated to give momentum to Rwanda’s ambitions in the biotechnology sector.

In his remarks, Hon. Dr Yvan Butera, the state Minister in the Ministry of Health highlighted that the program came to strengthen existing initiatives for Rwanda to become a medical tourism hub and a knowledge-based economy. He also called on private sector to support the initiative which, in the end will give huge market opportunities to the Rwandan community.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kayihura Didas, the Vice chancellor of the University of Rwanda noted that Biotechnology program complements to the recent strategic initiative by the Government of Rwanda to establish a vaccines manufacturing plant. This, according to him, is among solutions to address challenges related to outbreaks such as COVID19 and other underlying critical issue of access to vaccines in Africa.

“Biotechnology program is in line with the recent initiatives undertaken by the Government of Rwanda which clearly call upon the increased production of the workforce specializing in the area of biotechnology” said the Vice Chancellor.

The Vice chancellor added that the adequate infrastructure that came with the new program will facilitate Biotechnology students to conduct their research without hindrance.

The Program will kick off with 25 candidates for MSc and 5 PhD before the end of May 2023. For the 5 years of the program, it is projected that at least 100 MSc and 15 PhD will graduate ; which will undoubtedly support the country’s effort to have a competent workforce and a knowledge-based economy.

The launch of the program was an opportunity for UR, represented by the Vice chancellor to seal an official partnership with Enabel, represented by Manuel Iglesias, the Enabel Portfolio Manager. The partnership will among others contribute to the smooth running of the Msc and PhD program in Biotechnology.

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