About HRnet

Our Story

Why HRnet Exists

Central Africa is home to over 190 million people, yet the region produces a fraction of the continent's health research output. This gap means that policies affecting millions are often based on evidence generated elsewhere — evidence that may not reflect the realities of Central African communities.

HRnet (Health Research Network) was founded in 2025 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to change this. We are building a centre of research excellence rooted in the region it serves — one that produces rigorous, locally relevant scientific evidence and strengthens the capacity of African researchers to lead the work that matters most to their communities.

We are a young organisation with an ambitious vision. We believe that the most impactful health research is led by African researchers addressing African priorities, and that sustainable improvement in health outcomes requires both strong evidence and strong local research capacity.

Researchers attending a scientific presentation

Our Mission

To improve health outcomes in Central Africa by producing high-quality, policy-relevant research and building local capacity for evidence-informed decision-making.

Our Vision

A Central Africa where health policy and practice are driven by locally produced scientific evidence, and where communities have the knowledge and capacity to improve their own health.

Our Values

The Principles That Guide Our Work

Everything we do at HRnet is anchored in five core values that define how we conduct research, build partnerships, and engage communities.

Scientific Rigour

We uphold the highest standards of research integrity, methodology, and ethical practice in every project we undertake. Our evidence is produced to withstand scrutiny and inform real decisions.

Local Ownership

We believe the most impactful health research is led by African researchers addressing African priorities. We invest in building local leadership and institutional capacity from within.

Transparency

We are open about our methods, findings, funding, and governance. Our evidence is produced for the public good, and we hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve.

Collaboration

We work across disciplines, institutions, and borders, building partnerships that amplify our collective impact. No single organisation can solve Central Africa's health challenges alone.

Equity

We centre the needs of underserved communities and work to ensure that the benefits of research reach those who need them most. Health equity is both our motivation and our measure of success.

Our Journey

Building the Foundation

2025 — Foundation

HRnet is founded in Yaoundé, Cameroon, as an independent non-profit research organisation. Legally registered and licensed to host externally funded research projects. Founding team assembled from researchers across Central and Southern Africa.

2025 — Structure

Three-pillar model established: Research, Capacity Development, and Community Engagement. HRnet Council formed under the chairmanship of the founding board. Organisational governance framework, policies, and operational procedures put in place.

2026 — First Programmes

Inaugural Grant Writing Internship Programme launched — a 20-week capacity development initiative training emerging African researchers in research proposal development. First cohort of interns selected across multiple African countries.

2026 and Beyond — Growth

Expanding research and partnerships. Developing multi-country research collaborations, building institutional partnerships, and working toward our first funded research projects. Growing a worldwide network of health researchers, with a preference for African researchers and academics with expertise in Central Africa.

Governance

How We Are Organised

HRnet is committed to transparent, accountable governance that ensures our work serves the public good.

Legal Status

HRnet (Health Research Network) is a legally registered non-profit organisation in Cameroon. We hold a bank account in our name and are authorised to host externally funded research projects, making us eligible as a hosting institution on grant proposals.

Headquarters: Yaoundé, Cameroon

Contact: secretariat@hrnet-africa.org

Organisational Structure

HRnet's governance is overseen by the HRnet Council, chaired by the Council Chairperson. The organisation operates through three functional pillars:

Research — scientific enquiry and evidence production
Capacity Development — training, fellowships, and mentorship
Community Engagement — outreach, education, and participatory research