From 7 to 10 July 2025, the SkincAIr consortium came together —online and in person— for its first kick-off meeting, hosted by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in Nairobi. Over three days, the consortium aligned on the project roadmap, explored each work package, and laid the groundwork for an ambitious mission: fighting skin-related neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The meeting began online, giving all partners the opportunity to connect, introduce themselves, and hear updates from key leaders. Dr. Maurice Odiere (KEMRI) welcomed the consortium, Gustavo Hernandez (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid) presented the project overview, and David Shaik (Sherwood Science) shared the innovation and technical framework. Insights into Global Health EDCTP3 and project finances rounded off the first day, ensuring everyone was ready to hit the ground running.
The in-person sessions at KEMRI began with a warm welcome from Professor Elijah Martim Songok, KEMRI’s Director General, whose decades of experience in infectious disease research inspired the team. Over the following days, the consortium delved into scientific methodology, project coordination, and culturally informed user research, as well as protocols for clinical data collection and the development of the AI-driven SkincAIr detection model. Guided tours of KEMRI’s research facilities offered a first-hand look at the environments in which the project will have an impact. The team had the chance to learn much of the ambition of this important consortium partner, including its many different medical research programs that encompass all fields of modern medicine, all the way to rediscovering and proving traditional African medicine.
Workshops and discussions also covered the SkincAIr mobile app launch, strategies for dissemination and communication, and ethical and legal monitoring to ensure that the project respects privacy and community trust. By the final day, the consortium had not only clarified the roadmap but also strengthened the sense of collaboration and shared purpose that will drive SkincAIr forward.
At the heart of SkincAIr lies an innovative, AI-powered mobile app designed to help frontline healthcare workers detect and manage skin NTDs. As Project Coordinator Gustavo Hernandez said: ‘Let’s move forward as a family. This could be the beginning of something big.’ With its strong foundation and diverse expertise, the SkincAIr consortium is ready to turn ambition into action and effect real change in global health.
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