UR Sweden Programme

Official X Account of the UR-Sweden Programme; a bilateral research cooperation between the Govt of 🇸🇪 & 🇷🇼 through the University of Rwanda

[UR Sweden Programme @URSwedenProgram]

We extend our sincere gratitude to Martina, Katarina, and Raquel for their invaluable service to our program and wish them every success in their future endeavors. Long live 🇷🇼🤝🇸🇪

[University of Rwanda @Uni_Rwanda]

Last night, we hosted a farewell gala in honor of Martina Fors Mohlin, Katarina Westman, and Raquel Baez as they conclude their service at the Embassy of Sweden in #Rwanda. Their dedication and support have been instrumental to the success of the @URSwedenProgram, leaving a lasting impact on research, postgraduate training, and institutional capacity building at our university.

During the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayihura M. Didas expressed his appreciation for their outstanding contributions, noting that their commitment has helped the partnership achieve remarkable milestones.

“To date, no other academic and research partnership has delivered such tangible institutional and individual impact as the UR–Sweden Program,” said the Vice Chancellor.

[University of Rwanda @Uni_Rwanda]

Opening the workshop, Prof. Etienne Ruvebana, Senior Research Coordinator of the @URSwedenProgram, emphasized that the initiative reflects the country's confidence in UR's capacity to generate #research that advances national priorities.
He encouraged researchers to go beyond academic publications by translating their findings into policy briefs that provide evidence for informed decision-making and create meaningful impact in society.

[UR Sweden Programme @URSwedenProgram]

This strongly resonates with our ambition to position the @Uni_Rwanda as a pillar of knowledge and expertise, producing #research that informs #policy and drives social transformation.

[University of Rwanda @Uni_Rwanda]

Turning evidence into solutions that transform lives!

Our researchers and facilitators from partner institutions are gathered for a #PolicyBrief Workshop aimed at strengthening the translation of #research findings into actionable policy recommendations.

The workshop brings together UR researchers managing various research grants to explore how evidence-based results can be developed into policy briefs that inform decision-making and drive societal change at national, regional, and global levels.

Much appreciation to the @URSwedenProgram for supporting this important initiative and for its continued contribution to advancing research through the provision of numerous research grants.

[University of Rwanda @Uni_Rwanda]

Good news to kick off the weekend!
We are delighted to celebrate the successful doctoral thesis defenses of our staff members Dr. Brigitte Mukarunyana and Dr. Albert Ndagijimana, who earned their PhDs from Umeå University through the @URSwedenProgram

Dr. Mukarunyana’s research presents an innovative and sustainable approach to water treatment by transforming agricultural waste into effective materials for water purification.

Dr. Ndagijimana’s study on childhood stunting in Rwanda’s Northern Province sheds light on the underlying drivers of malnutrition and provides evidence to support localized, family-centered interventions that can improve child nutrition outcomes.

Congratulations to both researchers on this remarkable achievement. We appreciate their impactful contributions and look forward to seeing their findings translated into solutions that benefit communities in #Rwanda and beyond!

[UR Sweden Programme @URSwedenProgram]

A round of applause to Dr. Colores Uwamariya on this remarkable milestone, and much appreciation to the entire Infectious Diseases Sub-programme team for their invaluable support throughout the journey.

[University of Rwanda @Uni_Rwanda]

Congratulations to Dr. Colores Uwamariya on successfully defending her doctoral thesis at the University of Gothenburg #Sweden through the @URSwedenProgram; a bilateral research partnership between 🇷🇼& 🇸🇪.

Her research explored Rwandan medicinal plants as a source of antiviral compounds against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV); a major cause of severe respiratory infections, particularly among children, with limited treatment options.

Kudos to Dr. Uwamariya and everyone who contributed to this achievement!

[UR Sweden Programme @URSwedenProgram]

Congrats to our graduate, Dr. Nyiringango, on his appointment by the Rwanda Cabinet as DM for Post-Quality Enhancement in General Education at @HEC_Rwanda. This reflects our commitment to strengthening institutions thru skilled professionals. Wishing him success in his new role

[University of Rwanda @Uni_Rwanda]

Today, Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Raymond Ndikumana chaired @URSwedenProgram Annual Dialogue Meeting (#ADM). The meeting brought together UR Management, @SwedeninRW, UR researchers and counterparts from 14 Swedish universities for an online discussion on current achievements and future collaboration.

The 🇷🇼& 🇸🇪 bilateral research program has so far supported 106 PhD graduates and 53 ongoing PhD students, while funding more than 100 research and innovation projects. Over the past 24 years, the programme has played a significant role in strengthening the research environment at UR, with impact extending to individuals, the institution, and Rwanda as a whole.

[UR Sweden Programme @URSwedenProgram]

We support this initiative to address critical #water and #environmental challenges and highly value the multidisciplinary approach, which will enable the Centre to generate tangible impact..

[UR-CST @urcst]

Today: Stakeholders’ consultation workshop for the soon-to-be-established Centre for Advanced Studies in Water & Environment, supported by @URSwedenProgram
A multidisciplinary engagement shaping a Centre to set high national & regional standards in water & environmental mgt.

[University of Rwanda @Uni_Rwanda]

Congratulations indeed to Dr Clarisse Kagoyire & @URSwedenProgram !

Stunting can affect children’s health, learning, and future opportunities; and her work provides practical tools to tackle it with smarter, data-driven action.

Huge appreciation to the supervising team, the Undernutrition Subprogram, and @Sida for their invaluable support in making this achievement possible.
👏 Join us in celebrating this incredible achievement and impact-driven research!

[UR Sweden Programme @URSwedenProgram]

She did it! 💪@k_clarisse is now Dr. Clarisse Kagoyire following a successful PhD defense at Lund University 🇸🇪.
Her work dives deep into childhood #stunting in #Rwanda, using spatial analysis & #AI to map where children are most at risk & what can be done abt it. Big Congrats!

[Gilbert Nduwayezu, PhD @Gilbert_Yezu]

Thank you for your support, findings from this study will contribute to Rwanda’s 2029 target of achieving a 50% reduction in childhood stunting. @Uni_Rwanda @URSwedenProgram @lunduniversity #GeoAI

[UR Sweden Programme @URSwedenProgram]

Meet Rutayisire, a PhD student at SLU in #Sweden who is leading a research on integrating urban organic waste streams into #Agriculture. His study is funded under the bilateral research partnership between 🇷🇼and 🇸🇪 through the @Uni_Rwanda .check the video https://t.co/oyrJ7kotpf

[UR Sweden Programme @URSwedenProgram]

A study by Mukarunyana shows how #coffee waste can become a solution for clean water.
Mukarunyana is a PhD candidate from @Uni_Rwanda conducting her doctoral studies at @umeauniversity in #Sweden. Discover more about her research 👉🔗https://t.co/ZAWuxZjrDx

[University of Rwanda @Uni_Rwanda]

Award-winning research by Gilbert Shyaka is highlighting how international #Innovation hubs are shaping Africa’s innovation ecosystem. His paper on Norrsken Hub East Africa earned the Best Paper Award at the 2026 Africa Academy of Management Conference in #Casablanca, emphasizing how globally connected hubs can strengthen entrepreneurship, mobilize venture capital, and help African startups scale beyond borders.
Conducted as part of his @URSwedenProgram PhD program, the study offers timely lessons for policymakers on international–local collaboration, innovation infrastructure, and inclusive growth reinforcing #Rwanda’s vision for a vibrant, globally linked innovation ecosystem.🔗 https://t.co/FO4UDMUeyC

[University of Rwanda @Uni_Rwanda]

Another impressive study by Emmanuel Ngendahayo, a PhD candidate at @lunduniversity #Sweden, is uncovering hidden risks and revealing how #groundwatercan be better protected. His research will generate critical evidence to guide #policymakers in designing safer water supply systems and strengthening groundwater protection; directly improving public health, agriculture, and climate resilience.

This impactful work is made possible through the @URSwedenProgram, a key enabler of 🇷🇼 & 🇸🇪 research collaboration, empowering young scientists to deliver solutions for national and community development. https://t.co/RcL7slkzgo

[UR Sweden Programme @URSwedenProgram]

Merry Christmas 🎄& a prosperous New Year 2026! ✨
We appreciate the strong partnership that helped us achieve meaningful milestones in 2025, and we look forward to building on this collaboration for even greater impact in 2026.

[Dr Diane GASHUMBA @DianeGashumba]

Very productive meetings between the University of Rwanda and Swedish partners!
We had the pleasure of spending meaningful time engaging in rich conversations around societal-issues-driven research and innovation.
We were truly delighted to exchange ideas with our partners from Team Europe, @chalmersuniv , @goteborgsuni ,The GoCo, and the @karolinskainst . These moments reflected the strength of the trusted collaboration between Rwanda and the European Union, and Sweden in particular firmly supported by @Sida, a long-standing partner that continues to help transform bold ideas into real impact.
A heartfelt thank you to Karin Tegmark, Swedish Ambassador for Global Health, Professor Annika Östman Wernerson, President of Karolinska Institute, Cecilia Edebo, CEO of Sahlgrenska Science Park, Chalmers University of Technology for the warm hospitality and inspiring conversations.
We left Gothenburg feeling inspired, and energized and ready to continue this journey together toward advancing global health, innovation, and shared impact!

[Emile Rwamasirabo @nkomati]

Kudos Dr. Nduwayezu and the Lund University for providing a tool for data-driven stunting management.

[University of Rwanda @Uni_Rwanda]

Another proud moment for @URSwedenProgram!

Congratulations to Dr. Gilbert Nduwayezu, who has successfully defended his PhD at @lunduniversity in #Sweden.

His research uses advanced #GeoAI tools to understand why child stunting differs from one community to another. This work gives #Rwanda more accurate, local-level information that can help leaders plan better nutrition programs, especially in rural areas where data is often limited.

This achievement shows how 🇷🇼 &🇸🇪 bilateral research partnership directly contributing to healthier families and stronger communities in Rwanda.

Proud of you, Dr. Gilbert!

[University of Rwanda @Uni_Rwanda]

The drive for research interdisciplinarity continues!
In collaboration with @URSwedenProgram, today we convened another research-focused discussion, bringing together our researchers and key stakeholders to discuss findings on #undernutrition among children, the challenges, and potential solutions.

The session brought together participants from @unicefrw, @RBCRwanda, @SwedeninRW, and @Rwanda_Child, generating yet more evidence to strengthen nutrition interventions.

This initiative aligns with our mandate to foster dialogues that inform policy and practice; ultimately supporting the implementation of Rwanda’s #NST2.