Commitee Members

Dr. Vedaste Ndahindwa is the Chairperson of the Rwanda National Research Ethics Committee (RNEC) and a Lecturer at the University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Public Health (SPH). He obtained his MD from the University of Rwanda and a Master’s degree in Biostatistics from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. He is currently completing a PhD program in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Umeå University in Sweden.
He previously served as the Director of the Medical Research Unit within the Medical Research Center Division at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre under the Ministry of Health, where he coordinated health related research activities. He also contributed to the WHO Rwanda Country Office as a Public Health Officer responsible for Emergency Preparedness and Response during the 2018–2020 Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo and COVID 19 outbreaks.
Dr. Ndahindwa has received training in Impact Evaluation from the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa) and the University of California, Berkeley (USA). He has worked on numerous research projects and has extensive experience in study design, data management, and advanced data analysis using multiple statistical software packages.
His research interests include the epidemiology of infectious diseases, emergency preparedness and response, biostatistical methods and modeling, machine learning, nutrition, health systems strengthening, and impact evaluation.

Dr. Kara Neil is a health sciences educator, researcher, and academic leader with expertise in medical education, equity, and health systems strengthening. She holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) from the University of Liverpool, with research focused on gender inclusion in medical education. Her career spans senior academic and health-system leadership roles, including as Director of the Consortium of Medical Schools - Africa (COMS-A), Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Research at Africa Health Sciences University, and Chief of Education, Training & Research at King Faisal Hospital, Rwanda. She is also a faculty member in health professions education at the University of Global Health Equity. Her research portfolio spans medical education, health workforce development, and equity and inclusion, and she has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in these areas. She serves as Vice Chair of the Rwanda National Ethics Committee.

Dr. Marie Françoise Mukanyangezi is a Senior Lecturer and Chair of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice at the University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences. She combines academic leadership, teaching, and research to strengthen pharmacy education and health research in Rwanda.
She holds a Master’s degree in Epidemiology and a PhD in Medical Sciences, specializing in Pharmacology. Her doctoral research, undertaken through the University of Gothenburg, focused on HPV related cervical immunology in Rwandan women, and her broader work covers pharmaceutical sciences, cancer epidemiology, and public health research.

Dr Brenda Asiimwe Kateera is a public health specialist, epidemiologist, and researcher with more than more than 19 years’ experience in managing large public health programs, academia and policy. Committed to the mission of saving millions of lives and improving access to essential health services and commodities, she is currently the Country Director for Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) in Rwanda. Prior to that she was the Rwanda Country Director for AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) that supported HIV services to more than 1,600,000 people in 46 countries. She also was the Director of Research and lecturer at University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences where she was responsible for developing a self-sustainable research support center with the aim of strengthening research capacity and stimulating a research culture among students and staff of the college and ensuring knowledge translation into policy. She also worked as a research study coordinator and physician at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda and Makerere University- Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration.

She has been a lead or co-investigator on several research projects that mainly investigated novel ways of HIV prevention and implementation science projects that have focused on adolescent health. Dr Kateera has also provided leadership and coordinated multiple research and training initiatives with various donor and partners and has more than 40 peer reviewed publications and is an invited speaker at several conferences and meetings. She also serves on several boards and advisory groups. Dr Brenda Asiimwe-Kateera has a medical degree from Makerere University- Uganda and Masters degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University-USA. Being a leadership enthusiast and very passionate about facilitating people to achieve their maximal personal and professional potential, Brenda is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified coach and is also a mentor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to the students in the MPH program.

Mr. Jean Ntakarimara is a Rwandan advocate with experience in legal advisory work, regulatory practice, and public sector institutions. Rwanda Bar Association records show his professional progression from intern advocate to advocate, reflecting his formal standing within the legal profession in Rwanda.
He has also been publicly associated with legal work in the health sector, having been identified as Legal Advisor at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre. Ministry of Justice records further suggest involvement in notarial training and related legal practice.

Prof.Leon MUTESA is an MD, PhD and full professor of human genetics, currently working as Director of Center for Human Genetics that he created in 2006 at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences-University of Rwanda. He obtained his MD from the university of Rwanda in 2003 and his PhD in 2009 from the university of Liege-Belgium where he also completed his post-doc in 2011.
Throughout his career he has been immensely involved in clinical services, academics, research, capacity building, and management in the health sector. He served as the Director of Department of Clinical Laboratory Dept. at the Kigali University Teaching hospital, which is the largest referral hospital. He has been Director General of Medical Research Center in Rwanda Biomedical Centre under Ministry of Health, where he coordinated health related research activities in all national medical institutions. He developed several research policies within the health sector and founded the Rwanda health research commission which reviews research grants and studies before approval by Rwanda National Ethics Committee. Since starting his genetic career, Dr. Mutesa has pioneered new developments and implementation of a reference centre for medical genetics in Rwanda, which is the only one in the East African Region. He has advocated for health insurance coverage for genetic examination for patients in Rwanda and currently, most health insurances cover the karyotype exam, a test to see whether the number of someone’s chromosome number is normal and other cytogenetic and molecular tests. He has supervised/mentored more than 80 MSc, MMed, PhD, and Post-Doc fellows from Rwanda and from overseas universities.
He has published over 150 peer-reviewed papers. Dr Mutesa is a member of various expert committees and has led various regional and international research consortia and fora. Over the past 15 years he has participated in several international research and training collaborations. Currently, he is dual-PI/PD of a NIH grant- National Cancer Institute (NCI)- U54-HIV/HPV Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Pathogenesis: Rwanda/Einstein (1U54CA190163), the goal of this project is to screen for HPV in a large cohort of HIV+ women and MSM population.
He also serves as PI of NIH/H3Africa grant - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-Transgenerational Epigenomics of Trauma and PTSD in Rwanda (U01MH115485) with aim to characterize the transgenerational transmission of epigenomic impact of genocide exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women survivors of the Rwandan genocide and their offspring (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-022-01028-9 ). Since the COVID-19 outbreak in Rwanda, Dr Mutesa and his research group have implemented various research projects aiming at building human capacity for SARS-CoV-2 laboratory diagnostic and management.
Together with his group they have published a Nature’s paper on their discovery pooling testing strategy (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2885-5)which shows a cost-saving approach for better use of SARS-CoV-2 limited testing resources. He is principal investigator of a national prospective cohort study aiming at assessing COVID-19 vaccines immune response in Rwandan population. He also serves as a board member of International Vaccine Institute https://www.ivi.int/international-vaccine-institute-appoints-two-members-to-its-board-of-trustees-representing-ecuador-and-rwanda/.

Prof. Jean Paul RWABIHAMA is a Full Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the School of Medicine & Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda. University of Rwanda institutional profiles list him in this role within the Internal Medicine department.
He is an academic clinician and researcher whose work spans internal medicine, clinical research, bioethics, public health, infectious disease, and nutrition related research. Verified publications link him to studies on biomedical research ethics in Africa, genomic sequencing and transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and Marburg virus in Rwanda, digital tools for household level COVID-19 detection, and health outcomes among older adults. A University of Rwanda research grant record also identifies him as principal investigator for a study on the nutritional status and feeding practices of children with Down syndrome in Rwanda.
His academic contribution also includes the supervision of postgraduate research in internal medicine at the University of Rwanda, reflecting a strong role in mentoring emerging clinicians and researchers. Publicly available University of Rwanda thesis records identify him as supervisor or co supervisor on internal medicine research projects.

Prof. Theogene TWAGIRUMUGABE is a Rwandan anesthesiologist, intensivist, academic, and clinical leader. The University Teaching Hospital of Butare currently lists him as Head of the Clinical Services Division, and University of Rwanda dissertation records identify him as a professor in anesthesiology and critical care affiliated with the University of Rwanda and CHUB.
He previously served as Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Emergency Medicine from 2012 to 2017 and as Program Director for the Anesthesia Postgraduate Program from 2008 to 2014. His academic training includes a medical degree from the National University of Rwanda, a Master of Medicine in Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine completed through a partnership with University Henri Poincaré Nancy 1 in France, a fellowship in Medical and Surgical Critical Care, and a PhD in Medical Sciences from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
His doctoral research focused on the molecular epidemiology of hepatitis viruses in Rwanda and their implications for clinical outcomes and liver disease. His broader scholarly record spans anesthesiology training, intensive care, acute respiratory distress syndrome, perioperative care, and infectious disease epidemiology. Verified publications linked to him include work on the Rwandan anesthesia residency program, the Kigali modification of the Berlin definition for ARDS, and the epidemiology of hepatitis A and E viruses in Rwanda.
He is also recognized for postgraduate supervision, curriculum development, quality improvement work, and continuing professional development for anesthesia providers and other health professionals in Rwanda. Public institutional profiles describe his contribution to teaching, dissertation supervision, guideline development, and clinical capacity strengthening at CHUB and within the wider University of Rwanda system.

Dr. Julien NYOMBAYIRE is a distinguished researcher and academic known for his extensive work in infectious diseases, reproductive health, and public health interventions. His recent publications reflect a strong focus on vaccine safety and efficacy, particularly in the context of Ebola, as well as the implementation of family planning programs and the study of sexual health among marginalized communities in Rwanda.
Dr. Nyombayire’s latest work, “Monitoring of Adverse Events in Recipients of the 2-Dose Ebola Vaccine Regimen of Ad26.ZEBOV Followed by MVA-BN-Filo in the UMURINZI Ebola Vaccination Campaign,” published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases in 2023, underscores his commitment to advancing vaccine research and public health safety.
His research on the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of the Ebola vaccine regimen in pregnant women, published in Trials in 2022, further highlights his dedication to vulnerable populations. In addition to his work on infectious diseases, Dr. Nyombayire has made significant contributions to reproductive health. His studies on postpartum family planning programs and the uptake of long-acting contraceptives in Rwanda, published in journals such as Trials, PLoS ONE, and BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health, demonstrate his expertise in implementing and evaluating large-scale health interventions.
Dr. Nyombayire has also explored the intersection of sexual behavior stigma and mental health among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Kigali, Rwanda. His research, published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction and Sexually Transmitted Infections, provides valuable insights into the determinants of sexually transmitted infections and the mental health challenges faced by these communities.
Throughout his career, Dr. Nyombayire has received support from prestigious institutions, including the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. His work has also been backed by the United States Agency for International Development, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Mental Health, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, and the Emory Center for AIDS Research.
Dr. Nyombayire’s contributions to public health, infectious disease research, and reproductive health have had a profound impact on health outcomes in Rwanda and beyond. His dedication to improving health services and addressing the needs of marginalized populations continues to drive his research and advocacy efforts.

Prof. Jeanine Condo is an Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Rwanda and an Adjunct Associate Professor at Tulane University (USA). She is a medical doctor with a PhD in Public Health and currently serves as CEO and Founder of CIIC-HIN, AKIISA, and PACT Solutions, three organizations advancing evidence-based health systems strengthening, digital health, and clinical trials across Africa.
She previously served as Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Center (2016–2019) and has held senior academic leadership roles, including Principal of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences and Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Rwanda. Prof. Condo has served on multiple regional and global advisory bodies, including with WHO, GAVI, the Global Fund, and the African Academy of Sciences. She has led multi-country research programs funded by partners such as the Gates Foundation and Horizon Europe and has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles. Her work focuses on translating research into policy and practice to improve health outcomes in Africa.

Prof. Daniel SEIFU is professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Global Health Equity. He is a distinguished biochemist and academic leader dedicated to advancing medical and molecular research in Africa. He combines deep expertise in biochemistry with practical experience in clinical diagnostics, teaching, and institutional leadership.
Over his career, he has mentored numerous graduate and postgraduate students, fostering the next generation of African researchers. His work spans cancer biology, metabolic disorders, and public health, with a focus on translating laboratory discoveries into improvements in patient care.
As a committed educator and researcher, he contributes actively to scientific communities through peer review, editorial roles, and participation in professional societies. Daniel’s vision centers on building sustainable research capacity in Africa, strengthening collaborative networks, and supporting evidence-based health interventions.

Dr. Yvonne Kayiteshonga is a mental health researcher and public health leader with over three decades of experience in advancing mental health policy, research, and service delivery in Rwanda. She has been a member of the Rwanda National Ethics Committee (RNEC) since 2023. She holds a PhD and has extensive training in clinical psychology and public health. Dr. Kayiteshonga is also the Vice President of the Rwanda Psychological Society. She has held senior leadership roles within the Rwanda Biomedical Center and the Ministry of Health, including leading the National Mental Health Division, where she contributed to policy development and the integration of mental health into national health systems. Her expertise includes mental health systems strengthening, research, and workforce capacity building, with a focus on vulnerable populations affected by HIV and the long-term effects of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She has published widely on mental health and serves as a Board Member of the Moyo Center for Inclusive Education, advising on mental health, autism, and inclusive education.

Stefan Jansen is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Rwanda - College of Medicine and Health Sciences (UR-CMHS), where he works for close to fifteen years. Stefan is the founder and current head of the Mental Health and Behaviour Research Group. With a dedicated team of twelve academic staff and sixteen project staff and interns, he performs scientific research on the highest international standards, often working with local NGOs and hospitals as his research groups strives to make research relevant and impactful. Collaborating with multiple partners, including Cambridge University, Oxford University, University of Chicago, Yale University, Karolinska University, Charité Berlin, and others, he has served as Principal Investigator and co-Principal Investigator for over 20 projects. His work includes multiple internationally funded and multi-country research projects, including 6 Randomized Controlled Trials, on intergenerational trauma, alcohol and drug abuse, community based psychosocial interventions, and more, using both applied and fundamental science and introducing state-of-the-art research approaches, including neuro-imaging, genetics/epigenetics research, mixed methods designs, ethnography and behavioural economics. Crucially, he and his team have a firm commitment to embedding their research in local understanding and knowledge, using psychometrics to develop, adapt, and/or validate appropriate data collection tools. In addition, Prof. Jansen is the current Director for the Center of Research and Innovation at UR-CMHS; he is member of the Rwanda National Research Ethics Committee; and Chief Editor of the Rwanda Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences (RJMHS). He also chaired on the organisational board and scientific boards of large international conferences, among other responsibilities.

Valentine Ingabire is the Administrator of the Rwanda National Research Ethics Committee
(RNEC), responsible for managing and overseeing the committee’s documents, records, and
archives. She joined RNEC in 2009. In her role, she reviews each protocol submission to ensure
compliance with administrative requirements. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Development
Studies from Bugema University in Uganda and has completed the WIRB International IRB
Board Administrator training course in Olympia, Washington, USA.