Minister of Education, Science and Technology Hon. Bright Msaka SC has called on higher education institutions to demonstrate greater value and measurable impact from resources invested in research and innovation.

Msaka made the call on Wednesday when he officially opened the Fifth Annual Research Dissemination Conference of Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) in Blantyre, held under the theme, “Multi-disciplinary Research and Innovation: Key to Economic Development.”

He said Government regards research capacity as part of Malawi’s national development infrastructure, noting that investment in researchers strengthens human capital while investment in laboratories enhances the country’s technological capability.

He said investment in innovation should contribute to industrialisation, while evidence generated through research should help improve public services and inform policy decisions.

The Minister said universities must therefore ensure that research is relevant, rigorous, ethical and responsive to national development prioritie adding that higher education institutions should strengthen systems for translating research findings into policy, practice, innovations, products and services that can benefit Malawians.

Msaka said the Ministry of Education, has a responsibility to provide policy direction, establish standards and regulatory frameworks, assure quality and monitor institutional performance.

He said Government would continue to expect institutions to demonstrate performance and impact from the resources entrusted to them, particularly by showing how their research and innovation contribute to national development priorities.

KUHeS Vice Chancellor Professor McPherson Malewa said the conference comes at a critical moment in the evolution of the university and the broader transformation of higher education in Malawi.

Malewa said the conference also comes at a defining moment in Malawi’s development journey, where research and innovation remain central to addressing the country’s development challenges.

He said KUHeS is committed to conducting research that aggressively addresses challenges affecting Malawi and the broader region.

Msaka also toured exhibition pavilions showcasing research and innovations from KUHeS researchers and other participants at the conference.