The International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) was established in 2016 by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) to promote public/private partnerships for quality health services, capacity building and research in West Africa. The actualization of IRCE solidifies IHVN’s prime position as leader in providing quality health services, capacity building and health-related research in West Africa, as well as its commitment to excellence in research and collaboration. IHVN, through IRCE aimed to bridge the gap between its two centers; the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) and the Center for Public Health Implementation (CPHI) through research, treatment, and prevention by fostering collaboration between scientists – both international and local, healthcare providers, the government of Nigeria and the communities it serves. Over the years, IRCE has played a pivotal role in pioneering innovative research geared towards, providing high-quality healthcare services and building capacity within the Nigerian healthcare system.
IRCE Objectives
Opportunities for young Nigerian researchers
To provide opportunities for young Nigerian researchers to develop and execute research projects being mentored by more experienced investigators at IHVN, Nigerian universities, the diaspora, and international research institutions and universities.
Common world class platform
To provide a common world class platform for the implementation of research and clinical trials at international standards as part of global networks
Foster collaboration and synergism
To foster collaboration and synergism between Nigeria’s finest researchers and their counterparts at international research institutions and universities
Safety net for collaborators
To provide a safety net that protects IHVN and its collaborators from liability by proactively ensuring that research conducted at IHVN is under the highest scientific and ethical standards.
Training hub
To establish a training hub that facilitates individual and institutional learning through training and capacity building courses and programs that provide a platform for researchers to gain requisite skills necessary to excel in research and in long term career goals.
MEET OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM
Prof. Alash’le Abimiku
Dr. Okpokoro Evaezi
Historical Milestones
The International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) was established in 2016 to create an enabling environment that facilitates research activities that serves as a bridge between international and Nigerian researchers
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2016
Establishment
The International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) was established in 2016 to create an enabling environment that facilitates research activities that serves as a bridge between international and Nigerian researchers. The actualization of IRCE epitomizes the vision of IHVN and its prime position as leader in providing quality health services, capacity building and health-related research in West Africa. The IRCE department began her research activities with 4 funded researchers, mostly from the diaspora. The center engaged IHVN personnel with passion for research as well as relevant experience to drive the vision and mission of the center; these pioneer personnel were trained and mentored towards becoming the critical mass needed to push the research agenda of the center.
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2017
Training & Collaboration
By 2017, the number of researchers at IRCE had increased to 8. Recognizing the importance of research capacity building, the IRCE prioritized training programs for young scientists, healthcare professionals, and researchers. These trainings were conducted in collaboration with University of Maryland Baltimore and other international faculty. Over the years, IRCE’s capacity-building initiatives have contributed to the development of a skilled workforce, empowered local researchers, and fostered sustainable research systems.
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2019
Set up of Clinical trials for LASSA Fever
IRCE continued to make significant strides in our commitment to advancing research and global health initiatives through strategic collaborations with additional partners, including Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Kemri Wellcome in Kilifi, Kenya, the University of Oxford, and The Global Health Network. Concurrently, the Clinical Trial Unit was established to strengthen our capabilities in conducting clinical trials. Notably, a visit from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) took place, exploring potential collaborations specifically focused on clinical trials for LASSA Fever.
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2023
Growth
IRCE has grown from 4 staff to a workforce of over 112 staff actively engaged in the implementation of diverse research projects. This led to the development of a more robust operational structure strategically aligned with IRCE's overarching vision and mission. The enhanced operational framework is designed to effectively accommodate the increased scale and complexity of our initiatives, ensuring that IRCE is well-positioned to achieve its goals and contribute meaningfully to the field of research.
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