02.09.11 Partnership between KU Leuven and the Catholic University of Bukavu officially launched

The new interuniversity partnership between the Catholic University of Bakavu (UCB) and KULeuven officially launches today, September 1. Honorary rector Marc Vervenne, member of the board of directors of the UCB, will represent the K.U.Leuven on behalf of the rector. 

The partnership with the UCB will be geared toward expanding the knowledge base in three specific domains: 

· Agronomics: soil fertility and food security

· Law and Economics: mining industry management

· Medicine: reproductive health and non-communicable chronic diseases

Through expanding strong economic sectors in the South Kivu region—mining and agriculture—and taking on the challenge of the most pressing public health issues, this program will contribute to the welfare and well being of the Zuid-Kivu community. 

The flagship program was launched on April 1 and is financed with the support of VLIR-UOS (Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad – Universitaire Ontwikkelingssamenwerking). Professor Kanigula Mubagwa, of the Faculty of Medicine, has been named as coordinator for the K.U.Leuven.

Source: press release KU Leuven, 01.09.11