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Who We Are

The International Center for Advanced Research and Training (ICART) is a key research and training institution in the DRC, founded in 2013 through collaborations with the Evangelical University of Africa (UEA), Panzi Hospital, and supported by the University of Michigan. ICART equips researchers and healthcare professionals with the tools to develop impactful policies that improve the lives of conflict-affected communities. By studying the experiences and challenges of war-affected populations, ICART leverages resources from the Panzi Foundation and Panzi Hospital to create practical, evidence-based solutions.

In 2020, the University of Montreal joined forces with ICART to continue its mission, particularly through the Tumaini project, which focuses on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) research and training. This project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, will run through 2027.

ICART was established in response to the aftermath of war in the region that focuses on research and training

Studying the experiences of war-affected populations
Addressing community challenges
Finding solutions through research and data analysis

Dr. Denis Mukwege, 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, founded the Panzi Foundation and its One Stop Center to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence through a holistic model of care comprising 4 pillars of care:

  • Medical treatment
  • Psychological support
  • Legal assistance
  • Economic empowerment

Rooted in The Values of the Panzi Foundation

Solidarity
Love and respect for the person
Work, social justice, and integrity

The concept for ICART was conceived when Dr. Mukwege visited the University of Michigan in 2010. Discussions during his visit initiated a collaborative effort, with the Université Évangélique en Afrique (UEA) joining as a key local partner. Since then, ICART has focused on training local researchers in:

Research methods
Ethics in human subject research
Data management and analysis
Scientific writing and presentation

What We Do

Our Mission

ICART’s mission is to support excellence in research and leadership at the Panzi Foundation (FP) and Panzi Hospital as well as implementing an evidence based practice through the Panzi Foundation and Panzi Hospital. We aim to train future generations of researchers and practitioners in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), with a focus on women’s rights as essential to societal development.

To achieve its overall mission, ICART sets the following specific objectives

Strengthening Research Capabilities

ICART enhances the research skills of local researchers by:

  • Developing and conducting scientifically recognized research projects
  • Sharing research internationally through publications and presentations
  • Promoting higher education alongside research
  • Ensuring ethical standards in all research, especially SRHR studies
  • Managing data specific to FP and HGRP

ICART provides continuous training for SRHR teams by:

  • Identifying evolving training needs for service providers and communities
  • Creating tailored programs to meet those needs
  • Evaluating the impact of training on evidence based practice and quality of care

ICART fosters partnerships between local and international researchers and trainers to strengthen global SRHR efforts.

ICART’s future vision is to become a global leader and center of excellence in research and training

ICART aims to be a global leader and a Center of excellence in research and training by:

  • Addressing local issues with global significance
  • Generating evidence-based recommendations for policy and advocacy
  • Equipping future generations with transferable skills

ICART strives to conduct research and training that is scientifically rigorous and ethically sound, benefitting the communities it serves.

Contact Us

Contact us for inquiries or further information

In DR Congo

Mr. Bwami Mpakanyi Joyeux, MD, MPH
mpakanyijoyeux84@gmail.com
+243 995 676 017
Mr. Mukanga Omari Lampard
omari.lampard@panzi.org
mukangaomarilampard@gmail.com
+243 995 676 017
+243 853 748 395
Mr. Yoyu Tunangoya Jonathan, MD
jonathan.yoyu@panzi.org
tjonathanyoyu@gmail.com
+243 834 705 323
+243 975 125 445

International Contact

Professor Marie Hatem, PhD (ICART director)
marie.hatem@umontreal.ca
+243 995 676 017
School of Public Health, Université de Montréal

Panzi Foundation

For more updates and resources, you can also check Panzi Foundation’s website or reach out to the contacts listed below.
marie.hatem@umontreal.ca
panzifoundation.org
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ICART is a leading research and training center in the DRC to address the enduring impact of war through a partnership between the Panzi Foundation DRC.

Visit Panzi Foundation for more more updates and resources.

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Contact Us
In DRC
Mr. Bwami Mpakanyi Joyeux, MD, MPH
mpakanyijoyeux84@gmail.com
+243 995 676 017
International
Professor Marie Hatem, PhD,
marie.hatem@u.montreal.ca
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Term of Project Application
Project Application Requirements for Use of the Panzi Database

All applications must provide sufficient detail to allow assessment of the project’s feasibility and relevance to Panzi and ICART. This includes data requested, research costs and professional merit.

A project’s request for access to Panzi Bank data must be detailed in a maximum of 10 pages. It must include:

  1. Project title;
  2. Research rationale: context, frame of reference, research questions (and hypotheses where relevant) and the project’s contribution to the scientific literature;
  3. Analytical approaches and proposed methodology, ethical considerations;
  4. Detailed requirements for data use:
  • Justification for using the Panzi data bank;
  • Data requirements;
  • Period covering the required data;
  • Complete and final list of required data and variables. This can be appended. Note that adding or modifying data after project approval requires the approval of the ICART Scientific Committee (may require additional costs).


Expected results:

  • Data cross-tabulation: List of variables involved; number of tables and their dimensions; Statistical summary to support analysis; 
  • For modeling: dependent and independent variables, type of modeling or regressions.
  • Applicable weighting for data, if relevant. Software(s) used. 
  • Anticipated project start and end dates;
  • Detailed budget and source of project funding;


Name and contact details of principal investigator and other investigators and staff. It is important to indicate which researcher(s) must have access to the data so that they can be granted an access account;

  • Appendix 1: If this is a student research project (1st, 2nd or 3rd cycle), include the supervisor’s letter of support. 
  • Appendix 2: CV (not included in the two (2) page protocol).
  • Appendix 3: Questionnaire (any other collection tool in the case of a project not using the Panzi banks).
  • Appendix 4: Consent form. 
  • Appendix 5: Knowledge transfer/application plan.


All research projects conducted at Panzi by international researchers must respect the following principles:

  • Partnerships must be developed with accomplished Congolese researchers or those in training;
  • Research projects must meet international and Congolese research standards. They must also obtain the approval of the local ethics committee, as required by Congolese law;
  • A data management agreement must be signed before the research begins. A copy of the final data resulting from the research, as well as the code book, must be shared with the relevant local institutions;
  • Congolese researchers, as well as Congolese researchers-in-training, will participate in the production of publications related to the project.
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