Makerere University Professor Rhoda Wanyenze has been appointed Co-Chair of the WHS Academic Alliance–Lancet Commission on Academic Responsibility for Trust in Science and Societal Change.
Wanyenze, who is Dean of the Makerere University School of Public Health, will join a global team working on the role of academia in strengthening trust in science and addressing societal change.
Makerere University announced the appointment, describing it as an opportunity for Wanyenze to contribute to strengthening the role of Makerere and other universities in conducting more inclusive and relevant health research.
“We look forward to your contribution to strengthening the role of Makerere and other universities in conducting more inclusive and relevant health research,” the university said in a congratulatory message.
The Makerere University School of Public Health also congratulated Wanyenze, describing the appointment as a recognition of her leadership, scholarship and contribution to public health.
“As Co-Chair, Prof. Wanyenze joins a distinguished global team working to shape the future of responsible, inclusive, evidence-based and socially responsive academia,” the school said.
The commission focuses on academic responsibility for trust in science and societal change, bringing together academics and other stakeholders to examine how universities and researchers can contribute to public trust in scientific evidence and more socially responsive research.
Wanyenze is a professor of public health at Makerere University and has served as Dean of the university’s School of Public Health. Her academic work has included public health research, health systems and policy, HIV/AIDS and community health.
The appointment adds to Makerere University’s involvement in international health research and academic networks, with the university saying Wanyenze’s role will help advance more inclusive and relevant health research.