Visitors from Aarhus University, Danmark

Background

The University of Rwanda Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering and eHealth (UR CEBE) welcomed a delegation of ten academics and researchers from Aarhus University, Denmark, on 27 April 2026. The visit marks a milestone in the growing research partnership between the two institutions and reflects Denmark's sustained interest in Rwanda's academic and health-technology development trajectory.

Rwanda is a regional leader in disability inclusion and health innovation. UR CEBE's position at Kigali Innovation City places it at the forefront of biomedical capacity-building in East Africa. Aarhus University, one of Denmark's leading research universities, shares a complementary mission in translational research and clinical education, making this collaboration a natural fit.

The Visit

The Director presented the status of CEBE.

Phase I of CEBE (2016–2023) was successfully completed, focusing on human capital and infrastructure development. A total of 620 professionals were trained, with graduates actively contributing to healthcare and academia in Rwanda. Major infrastructure achievements included the construction of a modern seven-story facility at Kigali Innovation City. The centre is equipped with advanced laboratories and supports research, training, and innovation for up to 824 users.

CEBE also made strong progress in research and partnerships, producing 45 publications and securing significant international funding. It established global collaborations, launched regional initiatives, and developed innovative digital health solutions.

Purpose

The visit provided a platform to present CEBE's strategic roadmap for Phase II and to explore areas of mutual research interest. Key objectives of the engagement included:

• Present CEBE's Phase I achievements and Phase II strategic priorities to the Aarhus delegation.
• Explore joint research opportunities in e-Health, biomedical engineering, and rehabilitation.
• Have an interactive session that provides practical insights into biomedical technology infrastructure and hands-on skills for developing low-cost solutions for Rwanda and the wider EAC region.
• Showcase CEBE's digital health solutions — the Inclusion App and the AIRe Platform.

Laboratories' impact

An in-depth discussion was conducted on available biomedical engineering laboratory technologies. The interactive session fostered a comprehensive understanding of biomedical technology infrastructure, enabling trainees to acquire hands-on skills for customizing low-cost solutions tailored to the needs of Rwanda and the broader East African Community (EAC) region. Furthermore, the program is designed to support professionals seeking to upgrade their knowledge and competencies in emerging biomedical technologies.