Transforming Violence and Conflict into Hope and Innovation with Dr. Denis Mukwege and Chancellor Gustave Mushagalusa
UMSN is advancing this project aimed at creating both a research center and long-term solutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This is about the University of Michigan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) working together to strengthen research capacity,” says University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) Associate Professor Janis Miller, Ph.D., RN, APRN, FAAN. “It’s research that will help humanitarian and other organizations systematically evaluate what programs are working and where there needs to be improvements.”
Dr. Miller is one of three interdisciplinary investigators for "Transforming Violence and Conflict into Hope and Innovation: Establishing a Center of Excellence for Training and Research in Bukavu, DRC.” This grant, housed in the School of Nursing, is from U-M’s Global Challenges for a Third Century ProgramDr. Miller and her U-M colleagues are partnering with Dr. Denis Mukwege, founder of the Panzi Hospital, and Dr. Gustave Mushagalusa, Chancellor of Evangelical University of Africa, whose School of Medicine is affiliated with Panzi Hospital. Dr. Mukwege is internationally known as a leader in human rights and medical care during the ongoing DRC conflict. He is also a recipient of U-M's Wallenberg medal.
The project signals an expansion of inter-disciplinary collaboration within U-M. The grant includes investigators Paul Clyde (Ross School of Business), Jane Hassinger (Institute for Research on Women and Gender) and project director Lisa Peters (School of Public Health alumna).
Drs. Mukwege and Mushagalusa, along with several Congolese colleagues (including Dr. Alain Mukwege, son of Dr. Denis Mukwege), recently visited 
U-M for series of intensive planning meetings. The group met with various U-M agencies to discuss and develop the project’s mission, structure, procedures and future opportunities.
U-M for series of intensive planning meetings. The group met with various U-M agencies to discuss and develop the project’s mission, structure, procedures and future opportunities.During the trip to the United States, Dr. Mukwege visited the United Nations in New York City where was on hand to promote the General Assembly of the United Nations’ Declaration Against Sexual Violence. Ministers from more than 100 countries signed declaration pledging action to end sexual violence in conflict. During this time it was also announced that Dr. Mukwege is one of the recipients of this year’s Right Livelihood Award, widely known as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize.’
