Academic to advise on UK research funding

An Edinburgh scientist has been appointed to a prestigious committee that advises on a £1.5 billion UK Government research fund.

Professor Francisca Mutapi recently joined the Strategic Advisory Group that advises on the development and delivery of the Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF).

The fund was announced in 2015 to support cutting-edge research that addresses challenges faced by developing countries.

The initiative is led by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Health research

Professor Mutapi holds a personal chair in Global Health Infection and Immunity at the University of Edinburgh and is Co-Director of the Global Health Academy.

In her role on the advisory committee, Professor Mutapi will draw on her research background and experience of working with policy makers, development partners and other international stakeholders and funders.

She will also use her experience as Deputy Director of the Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) partnership, a NIHR-funded initiative that is using research to strengthen health systems in Africa.

Other committee members include experts from leading universities, research institutes and charities.

Membership of this advisory group gives me the opportunity to use my knowledge and expertise to help the Global Challenge Research Fund deliver significant impact and progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.