Kumamoto University and MUHAS (Tanzania) Hold Partnership Seminar to Deepen Academic Collaboration
Kumamoto University and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Tanzania have been promoting academic and student exchanges mainly in the field of medicine since 2016. Through mutual visits by researchers and the exchange of graduate students, the two universities have steadily strengthened their international collaboration in both education and research.On September 2, 2025, Kumamoto University welcomed Prof. Appolinary A. R. Kamuhabwa, Vice Chancellor of MUHAS, and Prof. Bruno Sunguya, Deputy Vice Chancellor of MUHAS and Kumamoto University Liaison Professor, for a Partnership Seminar to review the history of cooperation between the two universities and to discuss future directions.
The seminar began with opening remarks from Prof. Yuichi Oike, Dean of the Graduate School of Medical Sciences, followed by Prof. Takamasa Ueno, Director of the Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, who reflected on the past collaboration with MUHAS and outlined challenges and opportunities for future development. Vice Chancellor Kamuhabwa introduced MUHAS, while Deputy Vice Chancellor Sunguya presented the accomplishments of joint initiatives to date. In addition, Dr. Godfrey Barabona, Visiting Lecturer, gave a research presentation highlighting specific outcomes achieved through collaboration.
In the second session, four students from Kumamoto University-one Japanese student and three international students from Tanzania-presented their research on infectious diseases, including SARS and HIV. Their presentations sparked active discussions, reaffirming the importance of international cooperation among young researchers.
Held on the eve of the agreement renewal signing ceremony scheduled for the following day, this seminar not only provided a valuable opportunity to look back on the past partnership, but also served as a platform for strengthening academic ties and nurturing the next generation of global health leaders from both universities.
Opening remarks by Prof. Oike, Dean of the Graduate School of Medical Sciences
Scene from the seminar venue
Presentation by Prof. Ueno, Director of the Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection
Presentation by Dr. Appolinary A.R. Kamuhabwa, Vice Chancellor of MUHAS
Presentation by Dr. Bruno Sunguya, Deputy Vice Chancellor of MUHAS
Presentation by Dr. Godfrey Barabona
Presentations by graduate students