The Ifakara Health Institute has appointed Dr Emmanuel Kaindoa as its new Director of Science, effective 1 November 2026, entrusting him with leadership of the Institute’s scientific strategy as it celebrates 70 years of impact and looks towards the future of health research and innovation.

Dr. Kaindoa succeeds Dr. Ally Olotu, who was recently appointed Chief Executive Director of the Ifakara Health Institute. The appointment marks a transition in the Institute’s scientific leadership as it continues to advance its research agenda, strengthen scientific excellence and expand the impact of its work on public health.

Since 1 September 2026, the Director of Science position has been held in an acting capacity by Dr. Grace Mhalu, who also serves as Head of the Health Systems, Interventions, Impact Evaluation & Policy Department. Dr. Mhalu has provided interim leadership of the Institute’s scientific portfolio during the transition.

Over 15 years of experience in scientific leadership

Dr Kaindoa is a long-standing member of the Ifakara community, bringing more than 15 years of experience in scientific leadership, research management and institutional governance. Since December 2022, he has served as Head of the Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences (EHES) Department, having previously spent six years as its Deputy Head.

Under his leadership, EHES managed the Institute’s largest departmental research portfolio, comprising 41 active projects with a combined value of approximately US$47.8 million. His tenure has also been marked by a focus on high-impact research, staff development and international scientific partnerships.

A strong record in research and innovation

An internationally recognised public health scientist, Dr Kaindoa has 70 research outputs and 23 grants to his credit. His research spans malaria-vector ecology, climate and health, artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance, and community-centred approaches to vector control.

His work has received support from major international research funders, including the Gates Foundation, Wellcome, the European Union, the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-Wellcome partnership.

A Liverpool University PhD graduate

Dr Kaindoa holds a PhD in Public Health, a postdoctoral qualification in Entomology, and a Master of Science degree from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Alongside his research leadership, he has supported the development of 18 postgraduate and early-career researchers, contributing to the next generation of public health scientists.

His academic contributions were recently recognised through his appointment as an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) in South Africa. The appointment offers further opportunities for postgraduate supervision and collaborative research.

Beyond his departmental responsibilities, Dr Kaindoa contributes to institutional governance through membership of the Institute’s Management Committee, Institutional Review Board and Scientific Advisory Committee. He also holds a Certificate in Directorship from the Institute of Directors Tanzania.

Leading the next chapter of science at Ifakara

As Director of Science, Dr Kaindoa will provide strategic leadership across the Institute’s scientific portfolio, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, strengthening research quality and ethical governance, and advancing the translation of scientific discoveries into scalable public health solutions.

His appointment comes at a significant moment in the Institute’s history. As Ifakara marks seven decades of research, innovation and partnerships, strong scientific leadership will be central to sustaining its research excellence, nurturing talent and expanding the public health impact of its work in Tanzania and beyond.

Dr Kaindoa’s experience in managing complex research portfolios, building international partnerships and mentoring emerging scientists positions him to contribute to this next chapter.

The Institute looks forward to his leadership in advancing its scientific ambitions and strengthening the contribution of research to better health outcomes.