The the University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB) biomedical research laboratories were visited by a delegation of nine ambassadors accredited to Mali the Thursday, June 11, 2026. Led by the United States Ambassador, Rachna Korhonen, this initiative highlights Malian scientific excellence. It also paves the way for new strategic international partnerships.
The guided tour was led by the Rector of USTTB, Professor Mahamadou Diakité, alongside heads of differents research programs. Several major political figures attended, including the Secretaries-General of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as well as the Ministry of Health and Social Development.
During the visit, the delegation explored three key units of the University Clinical Research Center (UCRC): the Molecular Biology and Genomics Laboratory, the Immunology Laboratory (Immunocore), and the Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) Laboratory.
A Pillar of Regional Health Security
UCRC officials highlighted the center’s crucial role during major health crises in West Africa. USTTB laboratories have consistently been on the front lines of medical responses in the sub-region. Indeed, it was within these facilities that Mali’s first cases of Ebola and coronavirus were detected. The center also coordinated critical clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of the Ebola vaccine.
Toward a Global Scientific Alliance
Diplomats from Italy, India, Canada, the United States, Germany, Tunisia, Turkey, Netherland and Saudi Arabia stated they were deeply impressed by Mali’s scientific potential. This success relies heavily on fruitful international collaborations, particularly the bond linking USTTB to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the U.S. government.
The long-term goal of this meeting is to promote future biomedical partnerships between USTTB and universities across the eight countries represented.
UCRC Communication Office
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