Who we are

Locally relevant research, globally connected

Malawi Nutrition Research Group brings together clinicians, nutrition researchers, data professionals and international collaborators to answer questions that matter to children and families.

Our work follows the complete research pathway—from clinical observation and ethical study design to reliable data, scientific publication and evidence that can inform better practice.

Discover MNRG
Members of the MNRG research team
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11

Documented studies and research programmes

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10

Publications in the public evidence library

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11

Multidisciplinary research profiles

Our research focus

Questions that connect illness, nutrition and recovery

MNRG studies immediate clinical risk as well as the biological, developmental and social factors that shape longer-term outcomes.

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Acute child health

Hospital care, clinical risk, infection, mortality and recovery after discharge.

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Nutrition and growth

Severe malnutrition, therapeutic feeding, micronutrients, growth and body composition.

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Mechanisms and biomarkers

Metabolism, intestinal function, inflammation, microbiome and multi-omics research.

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Development and caregiving

Neurodevelopment, caregiver interventions, behaviour and community context.

Featured programmes

Research designed around real-world needs

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F50 Trial

Evaluating the safety and tolerability of lower-calorie therapeutic milk during early stabilisation of critically ill children with severe malnutrition.

Current Phase I clinical trial

View study record
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CHAIN Network / CHAIN Cohort

A multinational collaboration studying why acutely ill or undernourished young children remain at risk during hospitalisation and for months after discharge.

Major multinational programme; follow-on work continues

View study record
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Kusamala Program

Using the hospital stay to strengthen caregiving for children admitted with severe acute malnutrition.

Completed caregiver-focused intervention

View study record
People and expertise

A multidisciplinary research team

Clinical, nutritional, laboratory, coordination and data expertise support rigorous research from study design to evidence sharing.

Dr Emmie Mbale

Senior Lecturer & Consultant Paediatrician | Child Health Researcher

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Dr Kenneth Maleta, MD, PhD

Senior Nutrition & Public Health Researcher

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Dr Isabel Potani, PhD, MSc, BScN

Nutrition & Global Health Researcher

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Chikondi Makwinja, BSc

Research Data Manager | Clinical Research Systems Developer | Data Analyst | Research Trainer

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Collaboration

Research strengthened by partnership

MNRG works across clinical institutions, universities, funders and international research networks.

College of Medicine
Malawi Ministry of Health
The Hospital for Sick Children
University of Amsterdam
Grand Challenges Canada
Get involved

Contribute to research that matters

Connect with MNRG through research collaboration, professional opportunities or evidence exchange.

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Research partnerships

Bring a research question, specialist capability, institution or funding opportunity.

Explore partnership
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Learning and placements

Discover advertised postgraduate, internship and research-development opportunities.

View opportunities
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Start a conversation

Ask about our studies, publications, data systems or potential collaboration.

Contact MNRG

Help us improve child health in Malawi.

Partner with MNRG to turn important nutrition questions into meaningful evidence and better outcomes.