Key facts
- Date — 26 January 2026
- Venue — Somali National University, KM4, Mogadishu
- Format — Hybrid, in person and online
- Partners — SNU, EAU, Karolinska Institutet, Maastricht University
The CURIOUS Project Launching Event was held on 26 January 2026 at Somali National University, KM4, Mogadishu. The hybrid event marked the formal initiation of a strategic academic partnership between Somali National University (SNU), East Africa University (EAU), Karolinska Institutet (KI) and Maastricht University (UM).
The launch brought together university leaders, academic staff, researchers, students and project stakeholders from Somalia and Europe. It introduced the project, clarified the consortium structure and institutional roles, and created a shared vision for strengthening higher education and research capacity in Somalia.
Strengthening health professions education
The project responds to persistent challenges in Somalia’s higher education and health workforce, including limited institutional capacity, weak research ecosystems and shortages of qualified health professionals. It focuses on strengthened academic partnerships, curriculum development, research collaboration and institutional capacity building.
A central ambition is to contribute to a competent, resilient and future-ready health workforce through improved teaching and learning, evidence-based research, faculty capacity and interdisciplinary approaches to health and development.
Objectives of the launch
- Officially introduce the CURIOUS project and its partners.
- Present the consortium structure and institutional roles.
- Highlight Maastricht University’s leadership role.
- Engage stakeholders through discussion and dialogue.
- Emphasise institutional capacity building and higher education strengthening.
Participation and programme
The event included the Rector of Somali National University, the Rector of East Africa University, delegates from Karolinska Institutet and Maastricht University, as well as academic staff, researchers, students and other project stakeholders. The programme included registration, opening remarks, a consortium presentation, discussion and closing remarks.
Key outcomes
- Strengthened partnerships between Somali and European institutions.
- Increased awareness of the project’s objectives.
- Active stakeholder engagement and dialogue.
- Clear alignment on institutional capacity-building goals.
The launch established a strong foundation for CURIOUS project implementation and reinforced the partners’ commitment to higher education and research collaboration in Somalia.
Source: CURIOUS Project Launching Event Report, 26 January 2026.
