Olawale Salami
Head, Clinical Trials Unit, University of Global Health Equity, Rwanda
Dr. Olawale Salami (MD, DTMH, MBA) is a physician, clinical researcher, and drug development expert with over 15 years of experience in Phase 1–4 clinical trial design across multiple therapeutic areas, supporting the development of more than 15 compounds. He currently serves as Head of the Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Global Health Equity.
In addition, Dr. Salami is an expert protocol reviewer for the WHO in Geneva, a member of the Rwanda FDA clinical trial guidelines review committee, an IRB member at the African Health Sciences University in Kigali, and an expert faculty member at the African Pharmaceutical Network.
Prior to joining UGHE, he held leadership positions at SGS Pharma, Exevir Bio, FIND, and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative. At SGS Pharma, he led more than 24 trials with biotech and pharmaceutical companies across Europe and the US, including several first-in-human studies.
A former Marie Curie Post-MD Fellow in Infection Immunology at the University of Lausanne, Dr. Salami’s research spans translational medicine, clinical pharmacology, and diagnostics. He has partnered with WHO, Oxford University, and regulatory bodies across Europe, Africa, and Asia to advance drug and diagnostic development.
Deeply committed to strengthening Africa’s clinical trial landscape, Dr. Salami has led initiatives to build clinical research capacity across Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and South Africa. He holds an MBA from Edu-Effective Business School in Prague, a Post-MD Diploma in Tropical Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians in London, and an MD from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria. Dr. Salami has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications with over 450 citations.
What attracted you to the GLISTEN Network?
“The GLISTEN Network is a different kind of network and the approach to collaboration is focused. There is a clear theme of focus on non-communicable diseases which we think is diving the next wave of morbidity and mortality on the continent.”
“Working with GLISTEN provides the rare opportunity to do the kind of science that will address the most critical health challenges that African patients face, particularly in NCDs.
The network has an opportunity to shape how research collaboration happens on the continent.
We are fortunate that we have a strong team based in Boston who really understands the challenges of conducting research in Africa.
Five years from now I see a network that has grown remarkably. I see GLISTEN as one of the main frontrunners on the continent that is leading the design and conduct of important trials that are answering the pragmatic questions that physicians face in NCDs across the continent. I also see an opportunity to grow a stronger network to build capacity for the next generation of physicians.”
What is your message or challenge to peers in the scientific community?
“The research that should be prioritised must be driven by the most important needs of the patients. High quality science must underpin all clinical research on the continent.”
A message from Olawale
"I think that the opportunities that are presented by GLISTEN are in line with what we aim to do at the University of Global Health Equity. I look forward to a very close collaboration and productive networking with the GLISTEN members."
