Bridging Knowledge and Impact: Reflections from the 12th EDCTP Forum in Kigali, Rwanda
In the heart of East Africa, nestled among the lush hills of Kigali—the iconic “Land of a Thousand Hills”—I had the privilege of participating in the 12th EDCTP Forum, held from 15th to 20th June 2025 at the stunning Kigali Convention Centre. Organized by the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), the forum convened under the theme “Better Health through Global Research Partnerships”, bringing together experts, researchers, and policymakers from across the globe to discuss and shape the future of healthcare delivery in low-resource settings.
Representing my institution and a team of outstanding collaborators, I had the honour of presenting our published research on “Oxygen Concentrator Failures in Resource-Limited Settings”, which appeared in an MDPI journal earlier this year. The study was born from a collaborative effort between the University of Warwick (Dr Davide Piaggio, Prof Leandro Pecchia, and Prof Richard Walton), the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome (Prof Leandro Pecchia, Prof Vincenzo Piemonte, and Dr Leone Mazzeo as the main investigators), and the Ernest Cook University through me (Mr Ernest Bwogi), thanks to EPSRC IAA funding.
Presenting this research at the EDCTP Forum was a deeply rewarding experience—especially because the work had already undergone peer review and been formally published. This aspect drew significant attention from fellow researchers and practitioners, many of whom highlighted the value of sharing evidence-based, published work at such a high-level forum. It brought not only credibility but also sparked meaningful conversations around the technical, environmental, and operational challenges affecting oxygen concentrators in real-world settings.
This was my first time presenting a poster at an international scientific forum, and I was moved by the depth and diversity of engagement it attracted. From technical queries to policy implications, each interaction revealed how relevant and timely this research is to broader healthcare challenges in Africa and beyond. One discussion that stood out was with a biomedical engineer leading maintenance efforts in rural hospitals—he spoke passionately about the need for localized diagnostics and context-specific solutions, reinforcing the importance of grounding research in the lived realities of health systems.
Beyond the academic exchange, the forum was a vibrant space for networking, cross-border collaboration, and interdisciplinary dialogue. I met professionals who are just as passionate about medical innovation in resource-limited settings and who are working on solutions that echo the themes of our work. Kigali itself, with its serenity, order, and warmth, served as the perfect backdrop for these conversations.
Participating in the 12th EDCTP Forum has been a defining moment in my academic and professional journey. It reaffirmed the significance of rigorous, context-aware research and the critical role young professionals play in shaping the future of healthcare. Being able to present published work at such a prestigious forum was a powerful reminder that the journey from research to real-world impact is not only possible—it is necessary.
I extend my deepest gratitude to my co-authors for their unwavering support and collaboration. This milestone is a shared success, and I am excited for what lies ahead.
To every young researcher and innovator reading this: publish your work, share your findings, and step into global platforms with confidence. Your research matters. Your voice matters. And together, we can build stronger, smarter, and more inclusive health systems.
Ernest Bwogi, Biomedical Engineer Shishi International Limited
