IITA advances research partnerships with visit of Novo Nordisk Foundation Board Vice Chair

27 February 2026

 

IITA, CIMMYT, and ICRISAT representatives pose for a photo with the NNF Board Vice Chair and his team.
IITA, CIMMYT, and ICRISAT representatives pose for a photo with the NNF Board Vice Chair and his team.

IITA–CGIAR recently hosted the Vice Chair (VC) of the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) board, Lars Munch, during a strategic visit to the CGIAR in Kenya to strengthen engagement on science, innovation, and agricultural research for development. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase IITA’s research capabilities and to highlight the role of advanced biotechnology in addressing key agricultural challenges in Africa.

Led by IITA’s Deputy Director General for Research for Development (DDG-R4D), Dr Bernard Vanlauwe, and the Director of the IITA Eastern Africa Hub, Dr Leena Tripathi, the VC toured IITA’s research facilities, including the biotechnology laboratories and glasshouses, where ongoing genome-editing work was presented.

Dr Bernard Vanlauwe and the NNF Board Vice Chair, Lars Munch interacting with a PhD student in the gene editing lab.
Dr Bernard Vanlauwe and the NNF Board Vice Chair, Lars Munch interacting with a PhD student in the gene editing lab.

Discussions focused on IITA’s contributions to disease resistance, climate resilience, and productivity enhancement, as well as the importance of research infrastructure and capacity strengthening in delivering sustainable impact.

The engagement also brought together representatives from CIMMYT and ICRISAT, who presented overviews of their respective NNF-funded projects and shared perspectives on emerging opportunities and future collaboration within the Foundation’s portfolio.

Dr Jaindra Tripathi showcasing banana cell cultures during a visit to IITA’s gene-editing lab.
Dr Jaindra Tripathi showcasing banana cell cultures during a visit to IITA’s gene-editing lab.

Reflecting on the visit, Lars noted, “It is inspiring to see how advanced science and practical innovation are being applied to address real agricultural challenges. IITA’s work demonstrates how research excellence, partnerships, and capacity building can translate into meaningful impact for farmers and food systems.”

IITA’s DDG-R4D, Dr Vanlauwe emphasized the value of strategic partnerships, stating, “This visit reflects the importance of building strong relationships with global partners who share our commitment to science-driven development. Collaboration is essential to advancing innovative solutions that are locally relevant and globally significant.”

Dr Tripathi, on the other hand, highlighted the institutional significance of the engagement, adding, “Hosting the Novo Nordisk Foundation Board Vice Chair at our labs is an absolute honor. It reinforces our role as a regional platform for science, innovation, and partnership, and our commitment to translating research into impact.”

The visit created a valuable platform for dialogue on science-led development, strategic investment in innovation, and opportunities for future collaboration, reinforcing the importance of partnerships in improving livelihoods across Africa.

Contributed by Rose Harriet Okech