Dr. Kassim Abdi Jimale is the Vice President for Research and Development at Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology (JUST), Somalia, where he leads the university’s research, innovation and entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and international partnership agenda. He is also a Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology and Global Health, with extensive experience in higher education leadership, research capacity strengthening, and institutional development in fragile and resource-constrained settings.
With over 15 years of experience spanning academia, public health, research, and government service, Dr. Jimale has played a pivotal role in advancing research excellence and innovation ecosystems in Somalia. Under his leadership, JUST has significantly expanded its research output, international collaborations, and investment in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital learning, and innovation-driven education.
Beyond academia, Dr. Jimale is a Global Health Microbiologist and former national public health leader who has contributed to disease and outbreak control and prevention as well as health systems strengthening initiatives across Somalia and the region. He currently serves as a moderator for ProMED, the International Society for Infectious Diseases’ global disease surveillance network and has led numerous national and international research and policy initiatives.
His current interests focus on the intersection of global health governance and leadership and artificial intelligence as well as leadership in higher education, with particular emphasis on how emerging technologies can improve access, quality, efficiency, and institutional resilience across African universities.
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