DISCOURSE Hub Advances Cancer Research in Africa
- FHS Communications
Discovery via CARTA Outcomes-based Research Training and Scientific Excellence (DISCOURSE) Hub Symposium.
The Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI) at the Wits Faculty of Health Sciences came alive with ideas, debate, and collaboration when it hosted the Discovery via CARTA Outcomes-based Research Training and Scientific Excellence (DISCOURSE) Hub Symposium. The seminar took place on 26thand 27th November 2025.
The DISCOURSE Hub integrates the disciplines of Infectious Diseases and Oncology research to change how high-priority cancers are prevented, diagnosed, and treated. These common cancers include breast, colon, and cervical cancer, which account for a significant proportion of cancer-related deaths.
Jointly led by the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) PhD graduates and supported by the IDORI, the event convenes a dynamic group of researchers and administrative staff from Uganda, Rwanda, and South Africa, whose region is burdened by cancer. Participants discussed three core thematic areas: Cancer Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Burden of Disease; Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis; and Factors Impacting Cancer Treatment Effectiveness and Survival.
IDORI is the host academic institute for the CARTA grant. The funding is managed by the Wits Health Consortium (WHC), a subsidiary arm that governs donor-funded research and clinical trials for the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Beyond showcasing scientific advances by early-career scientists, Drs. Judith Mwansa-Kambafwile, Henry Zakumumpa, Ms Lydia Businge and Associate Professor Admire Chikandiwa, the meeting also reaffirmed the Hub’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of African researchers. Conversations explored postdoctoral fellow development pathways and opportunities to secure additional grants to complement CARTA seed funding.
With CARTA’s mandate to build sustainable research ecosystems and capacity across the continent, and IDORI’s focus on translating scientific discoveries into clinical and societal impact, the collaboration lays a strong foundation for transformative cancer research that can shape policy and improve health outcomes across Africa.
What capacity gaps in cancer research has this collective identified across the participating countries, and how is the DISCOURSE Hub beginning to address them?
The DISCOURSE Hub has identified key cross-cutting capacity gaps in cancer research across participating countries. Assoc. Prof Chikandiwa says a limited oncology research workforce, inadequate laboratory and digital infrastructure are key challenges that weaken research management and data systems for early-career investigators.
“In response, the Hub is beginning to address these challenges through oncology-focused postdoctoral fellowships, embedded mentorship, multidisciplinary research training, and support for collaborative multi-country studies,” he explains.
The Hub has already capacitated the three participating counties by supporting formalised research administrator training in the fundamentals of Research Management and Administration, and Contracts and Grants Management.
“The Hub implements supportive administrative structures, at both the host and sub-award site levels, allowing for the enabling of researchers to focus fully on producing high-quality, policy-relevant science,” explains Caryn McNamara, IDORI Senior Programme Manager.
The DISCOURSE Hub itself represents a bold and timely research initiative at the intersection of infectious diseases and oncology. By mentoring and supporting early-career scientists in sub-Saharan Africa, the Hub aims to advance high-quality, policy-relevant cancer research that informs prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Assoc. Prof Chikandiwa sums up the initiative as a collective effort to “strengthen institutional research ecosystems and build a sustainable pipeline of African cancer researchers”.
Read more about the DISCOURSE Hub here.
Caption: The DISCOURSE Hub team comprising project mentors, CARTA fellows and IDORI team.
Standing L-R: Felix Manirakiza, Carole Metekoua, Judith Mwansa-Kambafwile, Benjamin Mwesige, Lydia Businge, Caryn McNamara.
Seated L-R: Admire Chikandiwa, Nontlantla Mdletshe, Angella Nakayiki, Fabrice Kwizera, Gladwin Gaehler, Henry Zakumumpa.