The Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, CERMEL, formerly known as Medical Research Unit (MRU), of the Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon was established over 30 years ago in order to study major causes of disease burden in the local population. Over the years CERMEL has grown to become a leading African Research Centre, specializing in pathophysiology and treatment of highly prevalent infectious diseases found in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria research has been the main focus of the CERMEL for many years. Studies on the pathophysiology of malaria, and the clinical development of novel antimalarials and antimalarial combination therapies are carried out continuously. In recent years, CERMEL has diversified its research portfolio to include other parasitic and bacterial infectious diseases including tuberculosis and viral diseases. Furthermore, CERMEL provides training in clinical and laboratory research for investigators, Master, PhD and medical students from Gabon and other African and European partner institution.

www.cermel.org

Membership: Since 2021

Representative:

Prof. Dr. Ayôla Akim Adegnika; aadegnika@cermel.org

Prof. Dr. Ayôla Akim Adegnika graduated at the Medical University of Libreville, Gabon in 2002. He obtained a PhD from the Leiden University Medical School and a post graduate Master in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Dr. Adegnika became Professor at the University of Tübingen, Germany but spends most of his time in Gabon. His research interests lie in the immunological aspects of the interaction between helminths and malaria as well in the evaluation of new intervention against various infectious diseases.