Professor James Epiphan Mdoe, a renowned specialist in green chemistry technology is set to chair the Governing Council of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) following his appointment to the position by the President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The appointment of Prof. Mdoe as Chairman of the NIMR Council marks a significant transition at the country’s premier medical research institution, and is seen as a strategic move to leverage his expertise in scientific research and administrative leadership to advance NIMR's mission. Professor Mdoe succeeds Dr. Andrew Kitua, who has completed his tenure.
The NIMR Council, the supreme decision-making organ of the institute, is expected to benefit from Professor Mdoe’s extensive leadership and scientific expertise. His appointment is expected to bolster NIMR’s strategic direction and enhance its contribution to medical research and public health in Tanzania and beyond.
Commenting on the appointment, the NIMR Director General Professor Said Aboud highlighted the timing of the appointment, saying:
“He has been appointed at the right time, when NIMR undergoes reforms and rebuilding to increase efficiency in executing its mandates to the public.”
Prof. Said Aboud-DG NIMR
“We are committed to providing maximum cooperation to enable him to implement his duties,” he said during an interview with MedicoPRESS, while extending a welcome to the new chair.
Who is Prof. Mdoe?
Prof. Mdoe, now aged 61, was born in Lushoto, Tanga. He has a career spanning academia, public service, and scientific research. His academic journey began at the University of Dar es Salaam, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Chemistry, Biology, and Education. He furthered his studies, obtaining a Master of Science in Chemistry from the same institution, focusing on the adsorption capacity and kinetics of heavy metal ions on activated carbons derived from agrowastes.
In pursuit of knowledge, he went to the University of York in the United Kingdom, where he earned his PhD in 2000, specializing in organically modified mesoporous silicas as base catalysts for green chemistry.
His academic career flourished at the University of Dar es Salaam, where he rose through the ranks from Assistant Lecturer to Associate Professor. He taught and supervised numerous research projects in environmental chemistry, surface and colloid chemistry, chemical kinetics, and petroleum chemistry. He also mentored numerous MSc and PhD students.
Professor Mdoe served as the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology from October 2017 to July 2024, playing a key role in formulating and implementing education, science, and technology policies. He also served as the Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Minerals and Energy. His leadership extended to the University of Dar es Salaam, where he served as the Head of the Chemistry Department from December 2007 to June 2012.
His involvement in various boards underscores his commitment to advancing science and technology. He has served as a Council member of Sokoine University of Agriculture, a Board Member of the East African Commission for Science and Technology (EASTICO), and Chairperson of the Steering Committee for the Africa Centers of Excellence II (ACE II) program.
Professor Mdoe’s research contributions are substantial, with numerous publications in reputable scientific journals. His work on activated carbons, mesoporous silicas, and the application of green chemistry principles has garnered international recognition. His research has focused on utilizing locally sourced materials and developing sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.
