Nigeria is set to strengthen its position in Africa’s research and innovation space as the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) announces plans to host the 2026 SPARK Africa Translational Research Bootcamp and Scientific Conference in Abuja.
The conference, scheduled for February 2–7, 2026, will be held in partnership with the SPARK Global programme of Stanford University and is expected to boost Nigeria’s capacity to translate scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions.
Speaking on the initiative, the Director-General of NIPRD, Dr. Obi Peter Adigwe, said the programme underscores the importance of translational research in bridging the gap between laboratory science and real-life clinical and public health applications.
He noted that the approach integrates research, healthcare delivery, policy and industry to ensure measurable impact on society.
Founded over two decades ago at Stanford University, the SPARK initiative focuses on advancing research from “bench to bedside” through mentorship, education and access to critical resources. Led by Professor Daria Mochly Rosen, the programme has reviewed over 1,000 projects globally, supported several start-ups and helped move multiple products into clinical trials, particularly in areas such as maternal and child health, global health and orphan diseases.
With SPARK Global now active in more than 40 academic institutions worldwide, Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 Africa edition is seen as a strategic boost to its research profile. Previous editions were held in Zimbabwe in 2023 and Mozambique in 2024.
As the local partner, NIPRD brings extensive experience in drug, vaccine and biological product development and has aligned its mandate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on local content development, value chain growth and job creation in the health sector.
Analysts say hosting the SPARK Africa Conference in Abuja will expose Nigerian researchers to global best practices, attract international collaborations and accelerate innovation in life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing, positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for translational research on the continent.
