Researchers from Six Universities Explore Data-Driven Approaches to Malaria Control

<p class="text-align-justify">Researchers, academics and students from six universities have concluded a two-day workshop focused on strengthening the use of data and computational approaches in malaria prevention and control.</p>
<p class="text-align-justify">The workshop, held from 15 to 16 September 2026 under the theme “Shaping Uganda’s Malaria Future with Data-Driven Models: Inspiring the Next Generation of Control Actors,” brought together 54 participants. Of these, 31 attended physically while 23 joined online.</p>
<p class="text-align-justify">The initiative grew out of a successful grant proposal developed by a research team drawn from three universities and led by Fulgensia Kamugisha Mbabazi, Chair of the Organising Committee and Team Lead of the Research Group, Mathematical and Computational Research, Uganda.</p>
<p class="text-align-justify">Over the two days, participants explored how real-time data, mathematical modelling, computational methods, machine learning and other data-driven approaches can support malaria prevention and control. The workshop also provided space for researchers, students and academics to exchange experiences, discuss emerging approaches and consider how evidence can better support decision-making.</p>
<p class="text-align-justify">The workshop was supported financially by the London Mathematical Society, whose contribution enabled the research team to bring together participants from different institutions. Busitema University and Kyambogo University also supported the organisation and delivery of the programme.</p>
<p class="text-align-justify">Beyond the technical discussions, the workshop placed emphasis on building stronger research partnerships and preparing the next generation of researchers to work with data in addressing public health challenges. Participants were encouraged to continue developing research collaborations, mentoring younger researchers, pursuing new grant opportunities and generating evidence that can inform malaria control efforts.</p>
<p class="text-align-justify">The organisers noted that the value of the workshop will ultimately depend on how the knowledge and connections developed over the two days are carried forward into research and practice. Continued collaboration between universities, researchers and other stakeholders will be important in developing timely, evidence-based approaches that respond to the realities of malaria prevention and control.</p>
<p class="text-align-justify">The organising team expressed appreciation to the London Mathematical Society, the management of Busitema University and Kyambogo University, as well as the researchers, students, presenters, reviewers and participants whose contributions made the workshop possible.</p>
<p><figure role="group"><img alt="Participants pose with their certificates at the close of the two-day workshop on “Shaping Uganda’s Malaria Future with Data-Driven Models: Inspiring the Next Generation of Control Actors,” held from 15 to 16 September 2026." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="29c1edc0-f13f-4bd3-b91a-4d2d38d49857" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/grp-photo.jpeg" width="2560" height="1440" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Participants pose with their certificates at the close of the two-day workshop on “Shaping Uganda’s Malaria Future with Data-Driven Models: Inspiring the Next Generation of Control Actors,” held from 15 to 16 September 2026.</figcaption></figure></p><p> </p>