Daniel Atwine
Executive Director of SRF Research and Training Centres, Uganda
Dr. Daniel Atwine is a Ugandan medical doctor and research consultant with a PhD in Epidemiology, an MPhil in Science and Technology Studies, and an Advanced Master in Public Health Methodology. With over 18 years of experience in clinical research, including clinical trials, and 16 years as a part-time lecturer and postgraduate supervisor, he is passionate about research, teaching, and fostering innovation in Africa. His work addresses health challenges among vulnerable populations by generating local evidence and solutions. He has conducted research on tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, maternal health, diagnostics, eye conditions, and nutrition, and has led evaluations of national and international programs. He is also a founder of the African Biomedical Engineering Consortium, where he has advanced curriculum development, capacity building, and the establishment of a biomedical engineering program at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
He has made significant contributions to research ethics and policy development in Uganda, serving on national committees such as the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology and co-chairing the Ministry of Health’s National Tuberculosis Research Committee. A prolific author with over 75 publications in high-impact journals, he has also presented widely at international conferences. Highly collaborative, he brings expertise in public health, global health, and leadership, paired with strong communication and scientific writing skills. Self-driven, innovative, and guided by a God-fearing and positive mindset, his ambition lies in pioneering new ideas and approaches that strengthen health systems across Africa.
Why is now the time to pursue the GLISTEN initiative?
“The GLISTEN initiative comes in as a solution to many problems. I believe it is building synergies between South-to-South clinical trial centres.
It is addressing a very important need of non-communicable diseases which is a growing challenge in Africa as people are aging. And also starting from the young ones, we do not have the infrastructure to manage and to treat and maybe even to diagnose.”
“We are standing at a crossroad of history, where funders are withdrawing their support across Africa. It is time for Africa to stand and rise and take lead of its science and of its reseach activities.
GLISTEN is bringing together clinical trial centres across Africa together in one room to discuss their future and come up with a strategy and a road map of how they can continue to do the good work that they are doing.”
What is your message or challenge to peers in the scientific community?
“Walk together and embrace South-to-South partnership. Think about alternative resource mobilisation or alternative funding that can sustain our activities in research.
Keep aiming higher and let us inspire and be inspired towards growing a prosperous Africa.”
A message from Daniel
"I am committed to advancing research and innovation that address Africa’s most pressing health challenges while strengthening local capacity and systems. Through GLISTEN, I look forward to fostering collaboration that drives meaningful impact for vulnerable populations across the continent."
