Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training

Professor Ikeoluwapo O. AJAYI
Director

Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training

The Postgraduate Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training (PIMRAT) now the Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training (IAMRAT) was established in 1980 as one of the academic divisions of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan primarily for co-ordination of multidisciplinary research programmes in the College. The name of the Institute was changed in year 2000 to the Institute of Advanced Medical Research and Training (IAMRAT) for administrative purpose and recognition by National Universities Commission (NUC).

The Institute has 14 units which are: Ethics Committee (UI/UCHEC); Drug and Cancer Research Unit; Environmental Sciences & Toxicology; Genetics & Cancer; Molecular Entomology; Malaria Research; Pharmaceutical Research; Environmental Health; Bioethics; Epidemological Research Services; Neurodegenrative Unit; Palliative Care; HIV/AIDs and African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences. The Institute and her dedicated staffs are involved in research of international health related problems. The Institute is famous for its research in infectious diseases particularly malaria for which it was designated a centre of excellence in Africa and also in Genetics of non-communicable diseases for which it has been well acclaimed.

Over the years, the scope of the research activities of the Institute has increased tremendously. The facilities at the Institute are utilized by postgraduate and occasionally undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan and other Universities and Polytechnics in Nigeria. The Institute assists in training annually more than ten (10) Ph.D. and twenty (20) M.Sc. students registered in various departments of the University. The Institute also has postdoctoral scientists working as trainees and trainers as well as adjunct staff members from other Department within and outside University.

There is however, a growing need to strengthen the College of Medicine in the training of postgraduate students in contemporary biomedical and clinical research techniques such as molecular biology and biotechnology and complement training efforts of other departments in the University. It is therefore essential to promote both basic and operational medical research and contribute to evidence based National Health Policy Formulation. The Institute is being re-positioned so that it can achieve its full potentials. Research grants are attracted from donor agencies such as: World Health Organisation (WHO), National Institute of Health (NIH), Deutsche Volkswagen-Stiftung Foundation, European Commission, Welcome Trust, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, European &Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), Christopher Kolade Foundation and the University of Ibadan Senate Research Grants.

The main objectives of the Institute are to:

1. Provide leadership and direction on basic/applied medical research and conduct multidisciplinary research in the College of Medicine and University in general

2. Coordinate medical research activities and ensure adherence to standard ethical guidelines in the conduct of research involving human subjects.

3. Provide avenue for the exchange of ideas among research investigators and policy makers

4. Serve as a central research base and provide up to date facilities for training of postgraduate students and young scientists in modern biomedical research

5. Organize training courses, workshops, seminars and symposium for the purpose of updating research Scientists and other interested individuals about contemporary research techniques and findings

6. Attract Grants for research from both local and international funding agencies.