Getting to Know UI-RF: Your Questions Answered
At the University of Ibadan Research Foundation (UI-RF), we understand the importance of clear and accessible information about our mission, projects, and initiatives. This FAQ section has been carefully designed to provide insights into who we are, what we do, and how you can engage with us. Whether you’re a researcher, student, policymaker, or a potential partner, these questions and answers will guide you through the key aspects of UI-RF’s work and its impact on society.
Explore the sections below for answers to commonly asked questions about our focus areas, projects, collaborations, and opportunities for engagement.
The University of Ibadan Research Foundation (UI-RF) is a pioneering research platform established by the University of Ibadan to advance research excellence, foster innovation, and support the development of policies that address societal challenges. It serves as a hub for promoting interdisciplinary research and nurturing future research leaders in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
UI-RF focuses on several key areas, including:
- Public health and vaccine research
- Biotechnology and medical research
- Sustainable agriculture and food security
- Renewable energy and environmental sustainability
- Policy development and socioeconomic research
These focus areas align with its mission to translate research into innovations and evidence-based solutions for national development.
UI-RF has spearheaded several impactful projects, including:
- ARISE-NUTRINT: A project aimed at reducing nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa through interventions like nutrition literacy programs and sugar-sweetened beverage policy evaluations.
- DASH: A project dedicated to improving adolescent health through scalable interventions, focusing on nutrition, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health.
These projects reflect UI-RF’s commitment to addressing critical health challenges and fostering sustainable development.
UI-RF collaborates with a range of national and international partners, including:
- Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg (Germany)
- Africa Academy for Public Health (Tanzania)
- Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town (South Africa)
- Local stakeholders in Nigeria, including government bodies and private sector organizations
These partnerships enable UI-RF to leverage expertise and resources for impactful research and innovation.
UI-RF provides various opportunities for early-career researchers, including:
- Research Career Development Grants (RCDG) to fund innovative research projects.
- Capacity-building workshops on critical topics such as Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).
- International research collaborations to expose researchers to cutting-edge methodologies and technologies.
These initiatives help nurture future research leaders and ensure sustainability in research excellence.
UI-RF is dedicated to bridging the gap between research and policymaking. Through initiatives like the Think Tank for National Development, the Foundation translates research findings into actionable policies in areas like health, agriculture, and energy. These policies are designed to address societal needs and contribute to national growth.
Individuals and organizations interested in collaborating with UI-RF can reach out through the Foundation’s official contact channels. Partnerships are welcomed in areas such as research funding, project implementation, and knowledge sharing. Visit the Contact Us page for more details.
UI-RF receives funding from various sources, including:
- Grants from international organizations such as the European Commission’s Horizon Europe program and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
- Contributions from the University of Ibadan and other local stakeholders.
These funds support UI-RF’s research projects, capacity-building programs, and policy initiatives.
UI-RF’s research and initiatives have a profound impact on society by:
- Addressing pressing health challenges, such as adolescent nutrition and vaccine development.
- Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy solutions.
- Informing evidence-based policies that drive economic and social development.
By translating research into real-world solutions, UI-RF contributes to the well-being and progress of communities in Nigeria and beyond.