Professor Marcel Tanner, Director Emeritus of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), has reflected on the seven-decade journey of the Ifakara Health Institute, highlighting the partnerships, local scientific leadership and sustained investment in research capacity that have shaped its growth.

Speaking during the opening of Ifakara’s 70th Anniversary Celebrations and 5th Ifakara Annual Scientific Conference in Dar es Salaam on November 10, 2026, Prof. Tanner traced the Institute’s evolution from a field laboratory into a recognised African research institution with an expanding contribution to global health.

From a field laboratory to an African institution

Prof. Tanner, who led the Swiss Tropical Institute Field Laboratory (STIFL) from 1981, now the Ifakara Health Institute, reflected on the transformation of the institution and the people and partnerships behind its growth.

He highlighted the importance of building local scientific leadership and ownership, noting that the partnership between Ifakara and Swiss TPH was shaped by mutual learning rather than a one-way transfer of knowledge.

“We learn more than we could give,” he said, reflecting on the value of working alongside Tanzanian researchers and communities.

Research partnerships built on shared learning

Drawing on his experience as Director of Swiss TPH from 1997 to 2015, Prof. Tanner described how global health research has evolved from disease-specific projects towards broader approaches that consider health systems, implementation and the realities facing communities.

He emphasised the importance of long-term partnerships, strengthening research capacity and maintaining a portfolio of research activities that can respond to changing health priorities.

Among the principles he shared were “No roots, no fruits” and “We never ever give up”, underscoring the importance of strong foundations, commitment and perseverance in scientific work.

Looking ahead to the next 70 years

As Ifakara looks towards its next chapter, Prof. Tanner pointed to the need for continued investment in research capacity and partnerships, while responding to emerging challenges such as health inequalities, climate change and evolving disease priorities.

His reflections placed the Institute’s 70-year milestone in a broader context: not simply as a celebration of its history, but as an opportunity to consider how its scientific contribution can continue to shape health research and strengthen health systems.

Held under the theme “70 Years of Impact: Roots, Reach, and What’s Next,” the three-day celebrations and conference bring together researchers, policymakers, partners and other stakeholders to reflect on Ifakara’s legacy, share scientific advances and explore priorities for the future.

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