The International Research Center of Excellence at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has announced its readiness to host its 4th Annual Scientific Symposium from 31st August to 1st September 2026 at the IHVN Campus in Abuja.
IRCE Executive Director and Chair of the Scientific Symposium, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku pointed out that the scientific gathering will focus on the theme, “Shaping the Future of Public Health Research through Sustainable Funding, Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning (AI/ML) and Innovation.”
“Across the past three annual symposia, our goal has been to stimulate discourse on the position of Nigeria in addressing local public health challenges and its place in global health. Our symposia continue to challenge Nigerian researchers and scientists to use their science and innovation coupled with new technologies to usher in a bright future for our continent.
During this year’s symposium, we will be discussing how advances in AI/ML can provide tangible solutions to our everyday public health services and research for a more sustainable and efficient Nigeria that contributes meaningfully to the global health program.”
She disclosed that the symposium’s keynote address will be given by Prof. Oyewole Tomori, one of Africa’s foremost virologists and globally respected authority on infectious diseases, epidemic preparedness and global health security “who has never shied away from charging us all to stop the wastage and stealing to build a sustainable Nigeria.”
Other highlights include sessions on enhanced gene sequencing for surveillance, cross border data sharing, the role of virology in strengthening global health security, ethics of data science amongst others. The audience include policy experts, health industry leaders, public health professionals, health workers, and researchers. A team of renowned speakers from within and outside Nigeria will speak extensively on the theme.
The symposium is an opportunity to network, share and breed ideas that will improve research and health care for Nigerians. It provides a platform for young researchers to participate and build skills required for ground-breaking research in the country.
The IRCE Executive Director also revealed that this year’s symposium activities include a novel pre-symposium hackathon, for public health researchers, health care professionals, artificial intelligence and machine learning engineers, data scientists and software designers to try out some AI tools.
“This innovation and the consistent investment of IHVN into research involving the youth is to ensure that we are building and shaping the future for a healthy and responsive public health system for our country,” according to IHVN’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum.
