Leadership board

The Leadership Board (LB) is the internal Advisory body for the Director in the governance, operations and management of the Unit and supports the Director in making critical decisions. The LB includes senior scientists, heads of departments from research support services, laboratory services, clinical services and research training and career development as well as representatives of early- and mid-career scientists and other staff representatives.  

The board reviews the internal controls and operating systems and their effectiveness as well as contributing to the plans of the various departments that meet the Units’ strategic objectives.  

The research activities of the Unit are conducted in accordance with the local regulatory requirements of The Gambia, the principles set out in the 2019 concordat to support research integrity as an institution registered under the royal charter and the UK policy framework for health and social care research. 

Membership Composition

• Unit Director
• Executive Assistant – ex officio – secretary to the committee
• Chief Operating Officer
• Senior Scientists (3-4)
• Head of Research Training and Career Development  
• Head of West Africa 
• Head of Strategic Partnership
• Head of Research Governance and Support Services       
• Head of Clinical Services  
• Head of Laboratory Management
• Early- and mid-career researchers (2-3)
• Other staff representative (1-2) 

The Unit Director has the overall responsibility for overseeing and directing the mission and strategic objectives of the Unit in meeting its scientific vision. In this role, he is supported by the Chief Operating Officer, whose main responsibility is to ensure that adequate operational support is provided to accomplish the strategic goals of the Unit.