The Africa’s Clinical Research Ecosystem Summit (ACRES) will hold its 2026 edition on November 27–28 in Yaba, Lagos, bringing together students, healthcare professionals, researchers, academic institutions and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities for strengthening clinical research in Nigeria and across Africa.

 

Following its previous edition, ACRES 2026 will focus on the theme “Redefining Representation & Talent in African Clinical Trials,” highlighting the importance of developing African talent, strengthening local research capacity and creating opportunities for greater participation in clinical trials across the continent.

 

Created as a platform for learning, collaboration and professional engagement, ACRES brings together emerging talent and experienced stakeholders to discuss the future of clinical research. The summit aims to help students and early-career professionals understand the clinical research ecosystem, explore career pathways and connect with professionals working across healthcare and research.

 

Attendees can look forward to expert discussions on clinical research, talent development and the challenges and opportunities involved in expanding clinical trials in Africa. The programme will also feature interactive sessions, networking opportunities and group presentations focused on practical solutions for strengthening Nigeria’s clinical research capacity.

 

“We created this workshop so students could move beyond theory and start thinking in solutions, not just learning what clinical research is, but understanding how it works and where they fit into it.”

 

Aizehi Onoigboria Managing Director, United Clinical Trials Support Services (UCTSS) “A big thank you for organizing and bringing us that impactful session. It came at a time when I was second-guessing studying biochemistry, as I imagined there were little to no career options in Nigeria. My key takeaway from the event is that your BSc is your base, what you do with that BSc, and how you specialize will determine your future.”

 

This year’s summit will feature speakers with experience spanning clinical medicine, medical research, clinical trial operations and healthcare leadership. They include Professor Adesoji Oludotun Ademuyiwa, Professor of Paediatric Surgery at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos; Dr. Ramalan Mansur, Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Consultant Physician, Clinical Trialist and Pharmacoepidemiologist; and Dr. Toyosi Yekeen Raheem, Chief Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).

 

They will be joined by Lisa Ursella Collins of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria and CoFounder and Chief Executive Officer of Innomas Clinical Research; Aizehi Onoigboria, Managing Director of UCTSS; and Yusuf Babatunde, Growth and Partnerships Manager at YLabs.

 

Beyond the main discussions, ACRES 2026 will feature a group presentation initiative themed “Solutions that Strengthen Clinical Research Capacity in Nigeria.” The initiative will encourage participants to work together, identify gaps in the country’s clinical research ecosystem and present practical ideas for addressing them.

 

The summit will also create opportunities for students, researchers, healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas, share experiences and build connections that can support future collaboration across the sector.

 

ACRES 2026 is supported by organisations and institutions working across healthcare, research, education and professional development. These include Biospherea, National Public Health Network, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Nigerian Association of Microbiology Students, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS), College of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science Students Association (COMPSSA), University of Lagos Chapter, and Yaba College of Technology.

 

Through its focus on representation, talent development and collaboration, ACRES aims to strengthen connections across the clinical research ecosystem and encourage greater participation by African professionals and institutions in clinical trials.

 

Registration is open to students, healthcare professionals, researchers and other interested stakeholders. Interested participants can register at https://acres.unitedclinicalss.com/register/.

 

Organisations interested in sponsorship, exhibition opportunities and strategic partnerships are invited to connect with the ACRES team. Sponsorship opportunities include financial contributions and in-kind support to help deliver the summit.