This webinar examines the critical role of Neglected and Underutilized Crops (NUCs) in improving nutrition and health outcomes in the Global South. Although rich in essential nutrients and well adapted to local environments, these crops remain largely overlooked in mainstream food systems and policy frameworks. The webinar explores how promoting NUCs can enhance dietary diversity and contribute to sustainable and nutrition-sensitive food systems. Drawing on evidence from the Global South, the session will highlight opportunities for integrating underutilized crops into health, agriculture, and development strategies to support improved public health and rural livelihoods.

Speakers:

Dr. George N. Chidimbah Munthali

Dr. Munthali is an Agri-Economist and development researcher specializing in the interface between agriculture, health economics, and sustainable food systems. He holds a PhD in Agriculture (Agronomy and Agricultural Economics) from Yangtze University, China, and is also a PhD candidate in Transformative Community Development (Economics) at Mzuzu University (Mzuni), Malawi. His academic and applied work focuses on generating economic evidence to guide nutrition-sensitive and health-responsive agricultural policies.

Dr. Munthali’s research places strong emphasis on Neglected and Underutilised Crops (NUCs) as affordable and climate-resilient solutions for improving dietary diversity, reducing household health expenditures, and strengthening rural livelihoods. Using health economics and agri-economic modeling, he evaluates the impacts of agricultural technologies, crop choices, and food systems on nutrition, public health, and welfare outcomes. His work also extends to tobacco control and health policy, examining the socioeconomic and health implications of tobacco production and control measures in Malawi.

He has published widely in peer-reviewed international journals and authored books and book chapters, with research presented at international conferences across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Through research, teaching, and policy engagement, Dr. Munthali advocates for integrating NUCs into evidence-based health and agricultural development strategies.

Moderator: 

Dr. Lin Yongzhen

Dr. Yongzhen is a graduate medical doctor and master's degree researcher in Translation and Interpretation at the School of Humanities, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, with interdisciplinary training in English–Chinese translation. Her academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of language, artificial intelligence, and traditional medical knowledge systems.

Dr.Yongzhen's research focuses on the translation and global transmission of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) through the tools of artificial intelligence, with particular attention to how large language models influence medical knowledge dissemination. She examines the ethical implications of AI-assisted medical translation, including issues of accuracy, cultural representation, and epistemic justice.

A central concern of Dr. Yongzhen's work is the structural bias embedded in AI systems, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, which are predominantly trained on American and European linguistic resources. This imbalance often renders traditional medical systems, especially those from non-Western contexts, underrepresented or invisible within AI-generated knowledge. Her research explores how responsible AI use can help promote, preserve, and fairly represent traditional medicines, while addressing ethical risks and ensuring cultural and epistemological integrity.

Speakers:

Prof. Dr.Mona El-Sherbini and Mr. Samuel Abimbola

This session, delivered by the MRN Executive Directorship, is designed as an internal capacity-building space for MRN members. Its central purpose is to collectively co-create our Guiding Values as a Global South research network—values that will anchor how we think, collaborate, and produce knowledge.

At the heart of this process is a shared commitment to nurturing creative, independent thinkers and advancing solutions-oriented research that responds meaningfully to the challenges we face within our own contexts. The session affirms MRN’s dedication to research that is grounded in integrity, guided by long-term vision, and driven by a clear sense of purpose, ensuring that as we engage with emerging tools and global systems, our intellectual agency and ethical foundations remain firmly intact.

Speaker:

Dr. Hamufare Dumisani Mugauri

I’m a public health researcher, epidemiologist, and senior consultant with extensive experience leading HIV prevention initiatives, digital health, implementation science, and strategic advisory work in Zimbabwe. My research has shaped national priorities, and I’ve contributed to multiple consultancies supporting ministries and global partners with planning and MEL integration. As a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, I mentor emerging professionals and support academic editing across technical reports, manuscripts, and policy briefs. I’m passionate about bridging research and practice, and I actively contribute to regional networks focused on sustainable, evidence-driven health systems.

Awards & Recognition

Jeffrey P. Koplan Award for Excellence in Scientific Presentation (2017): Awarded at the FETP International Night, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA. Presented best scientific poster titled “Hospital-Acquired Neonatal Sepsis in an Intensive Care Unit of a Central Hospital, Zimbabwe (2016): A Cohort Study”

Named in honor of Dr. Jeffrey P. Koplan—renowned former CDC Director and global health champion—to recognize outstanding presentation and scientific rigor. https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/healthprotection/fetp/int_night/presenters-awards.htm

Speaker:

Dr. Amar Daud Iskandar

MRN Executive Manager of Mentorship

Senior Lecturer, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medical & Life Sciences, Sunway University, Malaysia.

PhD in Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Australia.

MSc in Science, Korea University, South Korea. 

BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology, University of Malaya, Malaysia.

This session explores how Early-career researchers (ECRs) face the challenge of balancing diverse responsibilities, ranging from publishing and applying for grants to teaching, administrative duties, and developing an independent research trajectory. Enhancing Early-Career Researchers’ Capabilities: What’s Our Currency? reflects on Dr.Amar's own journey from a postgraduate student in biomedical sciences within an international landscape, to a junior postdoctoral researcher, and now to his current role as a Senior Lecturer at Sunway University.

In addition to Dr.Amar's academic responsibilities, he chairs the Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) at Sunway University, working closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Sustainability) to organize workshops and training initiatives that support ECRs in building career development skills and research capabilities. Drawing on these experiences, he will share strategies that he has applied and refined along the way, ranging from publishing and grant applications to networking, teaching, and setting up a research laboratory.

Through these reflections, Dr Amar aims to highlight the “currencies” that matter for early-career researchers: measurable outputs such as publications and funding, but equally, intangible assets such as resilience, mentorship, and meaningful collaborations. This talk is intended to provide practical insights, relatable experiences, and a platform for discussion on how we can collectively empower and sustain the success of early-career researchers.

Alignment with MRN objectives:

1-Identify the key challenges and opportunities in the early-career research journey.

2-Learn practical strategies for publishing, securing funding, networking, and building research independence.

3-Recognize both tangible and intangible “currencies” that contribute to long-term research success.

4-Engage in discussion on how institutions and networks can better support and empower early-career researchers.

This session explores how traditional chinese medicine's (TCM’s) time-honored, holistic approach offers innovative solutions to one of today’s most urgent health challenges.

Webinar Highlights:

-The Global Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance: Understand the scale and impact of drug-resistant infections on public health worldwide.

-TCM’s Holistic Regulation Concept: Learn how Traditional Chinese Medicine restores balance across body systems, targeting root causes rather than symptoms alone.

-Synergistic Herbal Formulas: Discover the science behind multitarget herbal combinations—how complementary botanicals work together to enhance efficacy and reduce adverse effects.

-Complex Disease Management: See real-world examples of TCM in action, from infection control to immune modulation, and its role in integrative care models.

Keynote Speaker:

Associate Professor Dr. Li Yanqi

-Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China

-Visiting Scholar, Western Sydney University, Australia

-Member, World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies

-Member, Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion Society

This event is moderated by Mona El-Sherbini, Gokul Rajendran and Samuel Abimbola, it is a strategic conversation that aligns closely with MRN’s mission to challenge dominant paradigms in global health and amplify alternative knowledge systems, especially those rooted in the lived experiences and healing traditions of the Global South.

Alignment with MRN objectives:

-Decolonizing Health Solutions: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a non-Western approach to one of the most urgent global health threats—antimicrobial resistance. It exemplifies the power of indigenous and holistic health systems to contribute meaningful, sustainable alternatives.

-Grassroots Relevance: Many communities we engage with already practice herbal and integrative medicine. This webinar bridges grassroots wisdom with scientific dialogue, validating practices often marginalized in mainstream global health discourse.

-Policy and Solidarity: Understanding diverse models of health regulation and efficacy strengthens our advocacy for pluralistic, equitable healthcare systems.

This session is part of 3rd Annual Ecohealth Global Summit that showcases the Middle East’s cultural, spiritual, and scientific heritage, emphasizing the concept of science in service of humanity—where science and the sacred unite to promote planetary health. By connecting these “soft” narratives to contemporary challenges, particularly the dominant geopolitical tensions that overshadow the true essence of the region, we aim to foster empathy and meaningful and inspiring dialogue for diverse global audiences.The session also aims to enrich the conversations and help amplify the critical role of the Africa researchers in shaping global planetary health narratives and equity across regions.

The Middle East distinguished panel includes:

• Senior and junior medical students from Cairo University

• Esteemed author Cari Taylor from Australia

• Humanitarian expert Dr. Amjad Salem from Geneva

More about the speakers and references list in the google slides below 

This webinar is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of scientific writing, including its fundamental principles and essential components. In today’s evolving research landscape, mastering the art of clear, concise, and impactful scientific communication is essential. This session will equip you with the necessary skills to enhance the quality and credibility of your research publications.

Additionally, the webinar will address the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research writing. You will gain valuable insights into:

-Effective AI tools that can assist in research writing and streamline the publication process

-Ethical considerations and plagiarism prevention, ensuring academic integrity and originality

-Limitations of AI and how to navigate them responsibly

-Guidelines for the responsible use of AI, balancing innovation with ethical research practices

This webinar is presented by Tajudeen Yusuf, MRN Research Manager, and moderated by  Aminat Adebayo, MRN member, as  part of a series of workshops organized in partnership with PRASHA, supporting the MRN’s strategic mission to provide capacity building and mentoring to early-career researchers across the Global South. Our objective is to empower emerging scholars with the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethical frameworks to excel in academic research.

The Mentoring Research Network (MRN) hosted a special webinar in collaboration with  PRASHA (Progressive Alliance of Students in Healthcare Advancement), an inspiring student-led organization that unites future leaders in healthcare through innovation, education, and collaboration across borders, disciplines, and perspectives, and we’re proud to partner with them for this special event.

The session focused on Introducing planetary health and its critical relevance for early career researchers (ECRs), highlighting opportunities to foster transdisciplinary research that addresses pressing planetary health challenges and exploring the contextual barriers and enablers to success in adopting planetary health research approaches.

Moderated by Alaa Mohammed, PRASHA team, the webinar featured Associate Prof. Dr. Mona El-Sherbini, MRN Director and planetary health educator and researcher. The session provided valuable insights into current research, opportunities, and challenges in leveraging personal and planetary health from the cellular to the cosmic scale. The event served as an important discussion for early career researchers to engage with global perspectives and consider how these concepts apply to the specific challenges faced from the grassroots level.

The Mentoring Research Network (MRN) hosted a special webinar to contribute to global awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The session focused on the role of vaccinology in preventing the spread of AMR, highlighting how vaccines can reduce the need for antibiotics and slow the evolution of drug-resistant microbes. The discussion also integrated the One Health approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in managing AMR.

Moderated by Samuel Abimbola, MRN Co-Director and Public Health Researcher, the webinar featured Iyiola Olaundjoe, an expert in vaccinology and global health. The session provided valuable insights into current research, innovations, and challenges in leveraging vaccines to combat AMR. The event served as an important platform for African researchers to engage with global perspectives and consider how these concepts apply to the specific challenges faced across the continent.

With the burden of AMR disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries, this webinar offered critical discussions that could help shape future health policies, research priorities, and innovations across Africa and beyond.