From May 18–21, 2026, Ifakara Health Institute hosted a PhD Supervisors’ Training Workshop at Ifakara’s Training Center in Kingani, Bagamoyo. The workshop builds on previous training sessions organized by the Institute as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen effective PhD supervision, mentorship, and institutional support systems for postgraduate researchers across Africa.

The four-day training brought together academic supervisors and research leaders to enhance practical knowledge and skills needed to address emerging challenges in postgraduate supervision while fostering supportive and high-quality research environments. Through presentations, discussions, and interactive sessions, participants explored contemporary issues shaping academia and research supervision.

Expert facilitation from leading scholars

Facilitated by a distinguished panel of experts, the training featured renowned scholars, including Prof. Sharadhuli Kimera (Sokoine University of Agriculture), Prof. Sarah Moore (Ifakara Health Institute), Prof. Fredros Okumu (University of Glasgow), Dr. John Otieno Oredo (University of Nairobi), and Prof. Doreen Mloka (Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences). Their diverse expertise provided invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of PhD supervision and research mentorship.

AI and the future of research supervision

One of the key highlights of the workshop was the focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing influence in academia and research. Sessions examined both the opportunities and risks of AI in PhD supervision, including ethical considerations and the evolving role of AI tools in academic research. Participants also engaged in experience-sharing sessions aimed at strengthening peer learning and helping supervisors better navigate the changing academic landscape.

Mental health, equity, and the supervision experience

The workshop further explored the psychology of supervisor–supervisee relationships, mental health, gender dynamics, and managing difficult conversations in postgraduate training environments, alongside discussions on quality assurance and inequity in supervision. These sessions emphasized the importance of supportive and equitable supervision practices that promote both academic success and researcher wellbeing.

Collaboration, integrity, and strengthening research systems

Additional sessions emphasized the importance of international research collaboration and networking in strengthening African research systems, including North–South and South–South partnerships, as well as the role of the African diaspora in academia and research. Scientific integrity and emerging issues in postgraduate supervision were also highlighted, reinforcing the critical role supervisors play in maintaining high research standards and nurturing the next generation of scientists.

Building stronger research ecosystems

The continued PhD Supervisors’ Training initiative reflects the Institute’s commitment to strengthening research capacity and building supportive research ecosystems that empower scientists to address pressing health challenges through high-quality research and innovation.