The Director General of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Babatunde Salako, has restated the commitment of the institute to promote translational research to ensure a transformative health for the nation.
Salako who emphasised the role of research in national development, said health research is very expensive like any other research, because the return on investment is often not immediately realised.
The NIMR DG, who made the remark at the ongoing 2023 International Conference on Health Advances, Innovation and Research (ICHAIR) organised by NIMR in Lagos, urged government at all levels to invest in research which is the future of any nation.
He said: “The ICHAIR conference has become the go-to event for renowned biomedical professionals, stakeholders and upcoming researchers to share, learn, reflect and celebrate the advances in health.
“Over the years, NIMR has continued to uphold its mandate through research into health problems that translate into policy and contribute positively to changing the narrative of the public health landscape in the country and globally.
“The call to uphold this mandate has been more reaffirming considering the recent global economic challenges that now promote locally adaptable and available innovations to promote health’”.
Salako added that the institute would continue to collaborate with public and private institutions in and beyond Nigeria to further widen NIMR capacity.
He, however, urged young participants at the conference to leverage on the knowledge acquired to advance their career.
Speaking also, a former Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora, called on governments at all levels to invest more on research generally.
“Government at all levels need to continue to fund research for the benefit of the nation.
“Research is not cheap because when you start a research work, you can’t determine how long it will take or what the outcome will be.
“One thing that is sure is that you stand to benefit from the research output and the result is always positive to the development of the society,” he said.
Mamora, who is the Chairman of the conference, commended NIMR for being in the forefront of promoting translational research in the country over the years.
“NIMR has continued to maintain global excellence in research through the ground breaking research carried out by the institute.
“The annual ICHAIR conference is a testament of the leading role NIMR is playing to improve and increase research capacity in the country.”
