The Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr Obi Adigwe, has said that Nigeria will host the 2026 SPARK Africa Translational Research Conference.
This is made known in a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Alaba Balogun, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Adigwe said that the conference and boot camp would hold in Abuja from February 2 to 7.
He said the programme would be organised in partnership with the Stanford University–based SPARK Global initiative.
Adigwe added that hosting the programme would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to translate scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions.
According to him, translational research goes beyond basic science by integrating healthcare delivery, policy, industry and socioeconomic considerations.
He said the approach ensures that research outcomes deliver measurable impact for patients and communities.
Adigwe added that the SPARK initiative was founded over two decades ago at Stanford University and was designed to bridge the gap between bench and bedside through education, mentorship and research development support.
He said SPARK had supported many start-up companies and facilitated the entry of multiple products into clinical trials.
Adigwe noted that the programme had recorded successes in neglected areas, including maternal and child health, global health and orphan diseases, and had expanded to more than 40 academic institutions worldwide.
According to him, hosting the Africa edition presents a strategic opportunity to elevate Nigeria’s research profile.
Adigwe also noted that previous SPARK Africa conferences were held in Zimbabwe in 2023 and Mozambique in 2024.
He said that NIPRD would serve as the local collaborating partner for the programme.
