New infrastructure to enhance research capabilities
The new laboratory building will cover 400 m2 and include eight specialised laboratories. These facilities will be dedicated to various research fields, including insecticide testing, molecular biology, bacteriology, genomics, serology, parasitology, microbiology, and non-food chemicals. The project aims to increase the international competitiveness of the CSRS and improve the quality of research, education and services in Côte d’Ivoire and the sub-region.Jürg Utzinger, Director of Swiss TPH, Vice-President of the Board of Governors of the CSRS, and President of the R. Geigy Foundation highlighted the importance of this investment, stating: "This expansion is crucial to addressing pressing global challenges, such as emerging diseases and the impacts of climate change on health - areas where cutting-edge research can provide solutions. This new facility will not only strengthen our capacity to conduct high-quality research and services but also enhance our ability to train the next generation of scientists."
Supporting health and sustainable development in Côte d’Ivoire and beyond
The new laboratories are expected to significantly boost the research capacity of the CSRS, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes in Côte d’Ivoire and the wider region.Inza Koné, Director of the CSRS said, "The addition of the new laboratory infrastructure will complement and improve the existing infrastructure with more modern facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology, in order to improve the quality of research, training and services in health and other strategic areas of the CSRS."
Swiss-Ivorian collaboration
This development represents a continuation of the strategic partnership between Swiss TPH and the CSRS. The history of Swiss-Ivorian research collaboration began in 1951, when a small field laboratory was established in Côte d’Ivoire with support of the Swiss government. Over the years, CSRS has expanded into a center of excellence in research and education, renowned for its contributions to scientific expertise in Côte d’Ivoire and the sub-region.Today, the CSRS is under the dual supervision of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) with Swiss TPH as the leading house and the Ivorian government (Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research). Around 160 associated researchers and 90 staff work at CSRS.
The long-standing Swiss-Ivorian research partnership has already facilitated significant scientific advancements, such as the establishment of health and democratic surveillance systems (HDSS) or clinical trials for new drugs used to combat various parasitic diseases, such as schistosomiasis. Several Swiss TPH alumni from Côte d’Ivoire now hold key positions in the CSRS, a strong testimony to the fruitful and mutual exchange of knowledge.
Jürg Utzinger added, "In partnership, we pursue the same mission of improving people’s health. Continued support from the Swiss and the Ivorian government is essential for advancing our shared goals. Investing in infrastructure like this is not just about buildings; it’s about ensuring that our scientists have the tools they need to make life-changing discoveries."
The new laboratory building is scheduled for completion in seven months.
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