EPHI Seminar Highlights the Role of Implementation Science in Research Transformation

The event, titled “Transforming Research into Practice: Insights from Implementation Science”.

Opening the seminar, Dr. Getachew Tollera, Deputy Director General of EPHI, emphasized the institute’s commitment to translating scientific evidence into routine public health interventions. “Excellence in science is not measured solely by publications, but by lives improved, capacity built, and partnerships sustained across decades,” Dr. Getachew stated. He underscored that while evidence in public health is often robust, the challenge lies in its effective application—a gap that Implementation Science is designed to close.

The program featured in-depth sessions led by renowned experts in the field, Professor Tanya Marchant (LSHTM): Professor Marchant provided a historical context of IS and shared critical insights from the Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) trial conducted in Ethiopia. Her presentation detailed the trial’s impact on health outcomes, as well as the associated processes and costs that influence national policy.

Dr. Ramadani Noor (UNICEF Ethiopia): As the Nutrition Manager for UNICEF Ethiopia, Dr. Noor focused on evidence-based implementation strategies. He addressed common barriers to successful program execution and outlined actionable plans for integrating learned strategies into the Ethiopian health system.

The seminar also served as a platform to celebrate the ten-year partnership between EPHI and LSHTM. Dr. Getachew praised Professor Marchant’s “unwavering commitment” and her scientific leadership, which has significantly strengthened local research capacity and improved the health of Ethiopian mothers and children.

The event continued with a question and answer session moderated by Dr. Masresha Tessema, providing an open floor for young scientists and emerging researchers to engage with the speakers on the “way forward” for implementation practices in the region.

The day concluded with a special ceremony led by Dr. Getachew to honor Professor Marchant for her exceptional contributions to the Prenatal Supplementation Clinical Trial in Ethiopia. In his closing remarks, Dr. Getachew praised the respectful and productive nature of the collaboration. He celebrated the success of the recently completed trial and expressed a strong commitment to continuing this partnership to improve public health outcomes in the future.