MUST on 9th July, 2026, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW), marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening academic and research collaboration for national development.

The partnership will promote joint academic and research initiatives while creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, innovation, capacity building and skills development between the two institutions.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, MUST Vice Chancellor, Professor Address Malata, described the partnership as a long-awaited and significant milestone for the university.

"This is a very critical partnership," she said.

"Communicable and non-communicable diseases are changing, and addressing these challenges requires collaboration across different disciplines."

Professor Malata highlighted that all four schools at MUST have expertise that can make meaningful contributions to health research. 

She expressed confidence that the collaboration would produce impactful research and help build a new generation of researchers capable of responding to Malawi's health and development needs.

"We are hoping to see this partnership bear fruit and make a real impact. MUST is committed to building a generation of good researchers," she said.

MLW Director, Professor Henry Mwandumba, welcomed the partnership, describing it as an important step towards achieving the institution's strategic goals.

"As we prepare to launch our new strategic plan, we recognise that we can achieve much more by collaborating with organisations and universities," he said.

Professor Mwandumba commended MUST for producing talented students, noting that many are already making valuable contributions at MLW.

He added that the partnership will support students working on innovations that benefit the nation while also strengthening the capacity of MLW staff through collaborative learning and research.

MLW Chief Operating Officer, Aubrey Chalira Phiri, said the partnership has the potential to make a significant difference to Malawi.

"This collaboration will make a huge difference depending on how we work together. We are also looking forward to learning from one another," he said.

On his part, Executive Dean of MUST's Academy of Medical Sciences, Dr Mwayiwawo Madanitsa, described the agreement as a landmark moment that marks the beginning of a promising journey for both institutions.

The MoU seeks to strengthen cooperation in research, academic programmes, innovation, staff and student development and other areas of mutual interest. 

Through this partnership, MUST and MLW aim to generate knowledge and innovations that will improve health outcomes and contribute to Malawi's socio-economic development.