Scientific Excellence
Scientific & Technical
Advisory Committee (STAC)
The FIRAT Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) provides strategic scientific leadership and independent technical oversight across FIRAT's research, training, innovation, and policy initiatives. The Committee ensures scientific rigor, ethical integrity, and real-world impact while positioning FIRAT as a trusted hub for evidence-driven development in Africa and beyond.
Background
The Foundation for Innovative and Research Advancement and Translation (FIRAT) undertakes research, capacity building, innovation, and policy-oriented initiatives across health, education, agriculture, technology, and development systems in Africa. To ensure scientific excellence, ethical integrity, and strategic coherence across its programmes, FIRAT maintains the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) as an independent, high-level advisory body.
Purpose of the Committee
The STAC serves as FIRAT's primary scientific authority, safeguarding the rigor, relevance, and impact of our research ecosystem across Africa. It actively shapes our strategic direction, ensuring every initiative meets global standards while addressing local realities.
Core Functions & Responsibilities
The STAC fulfills the following core functions to support FIRAT's mission of scientific excellence and impact-driven development.
Strategic Scientific Direction & Thought Leadership
Providing high-level scientific and technical guidance that shapes FIRAT's long-term vision, ensuring all programmes align with global best practices, African development priorities, and context-responsive innovation.
Research Quality Assurance & Scientific Integrity
Overseeing the scientific rigor, methodological soundness, and ethical standards of FIRAT-led research, curricula, policy briefs, and innovation outputs—ensuring credibility, reproducibility, and international competitiveness.
Policy Translation & Evidence-to-Action Advisory
Supporting the translation of research evidence into practical policies, frameworks, and implementation models for governments, institutions, and development partners—bridging the gap between science, policy, and societal impact.
Curriculum, Capacity Building & Professional Development Oversight
Advising on the design, review, and continuous improvement of FIRAT training programmes, academic curricula, professional clinics (e.g., BRM Clinic), and specialized learning initiatives to ensure relevance, excellence, and sustainability.
Innovation, Technology & Systems Strengthening Advisory
Guiding FIRAT's innovation pipeline, including digital solutions, health systems strengthening, agri-food systems, and research infrastructure, ensuring scalability, interoperability, and long-term technical viability.
Partnerships, External Engagement & Global Positioning
Providing strategic input on high-value collaborations with universities, research institutes, funders, multilateral agencies, and industry partners, positioning FIRAT as a trusted African hub for science-driven development.
Composition & Expertise
The Committee comprises distinguished experts with recognized authority in relevant fields, including health sciences, public health, education, agriculture, biostatistics, research methodology, policy, and innovation.
Members are drawn from academia, research institutions, industry, development agencies, and professional practice, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective to FIRAT's strategic direction.
Join the Committee
We are always looking for visionary leaders to join our advisory board.