On October 1, 2026, Chiba University, Synergy Institute for Futuristic Mucosal Vaccine Research and Development (cSIMVa), led by Director Hiroshi Kiyono, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) at the University of Ghana, led by Director Dorothy Yeboah-Manu.

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Source: Chiba University, Japan

Professor Kiyono and Director Dorothy Yeboah-Manu from the signing ceremony

The MOU establishes a strategic framework for international cooperation in research and development targeting next-generation vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. Under this agreement, both institutions will strengthen their partnership to advance research and education aimed at addressing global health challenges.

Background and Strategic Significance

NMIMR is one of West Africa’s premier biomedical research institutions, named after the renowned Japanese scientist Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, and has a long history of academic exchange with Japan. As infectious disease control increasingly demands global research networks, this partnership connects Asia and Africa to accelerate the creation of novel vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic tools.

Furthermore, this initiative aligns with Chiba University’s J-PEAKS program, enhancing international research networks, fostering early-career researchers, and deepening mutual friendship and scientific cooperation between Japan and Ghana.

Key Areas of Collaboration

Under the MOU, cSIMVa and NMIMR will pursue strategic initiatives in the following areas:

  • Mutual exchange of researchers, faculty, and administrative staff
  • Promotion of joint research projects and joint publication of scientific papers
  • Human resource development and capacity building
  • Exchange of scientific data, publications, and research materials
  • Joint organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops
  • Short-term and long-term academic programs and research visits
  • Joint research grant applications
  • Establishment of a sustainable and effective research foundation

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By merging NMIMR’s extensive field experience in infectious disease and public health research in Africa with cSIMVa’s cutting-edge mucosal immunology and vaccine R&D, both organizations aim to deliver innovative medical solutions to global health issues.

About Chiba University

Chiba University boasts 11 faculties and 9 graduate schools on 5 campuses and a rich academic environment where students can acquire a broad-based interdisciplinary education as well as an advanced level of expertise. While respecting diversity in learning, Chiba University promotes innovative research through collaboration and researcher support programs, leading to the development of new fields of research, which will continue to make a wide range of social contributions both locally and internationally.

About Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR)

Located on the College of Health Sciences campus at the University of Ghana in Accra, NMIMR was established in 1979 in honor of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi. It is a leading biomedical research center in West Africa, globally recognized for its research on malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and emerging infectious diseases. NMIMR serves as a vital hub for public health research, diagnostics, and capacity building in the region.

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