SUSAN
About the Network
The IBS Sub-Saharan African Network (SUSAN) is dedicated to promoting biometrics and statistical sciences across the region through collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
A key activity of the network is the organization of the SUSAN Conference, which provides a platform for sharing research findings, methodological advances, and best practices in biostatistics and related fields.
SUSAN members benefit from an active and growing collaborative network that supports membership expansion, regional coordination, and the establishment of new country groups across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The network places strong emphasis on the development of students and early-career statisticians, fostering the next generation of professionals in biometrics and data science. Regional collaborations are actively encouraged, including joint research initiatives, training workshops, and capacity-building activities.
Looking ahead, SUSAN aims to introduce regional awards and research grants to recognize excellence and innovation. The network also plans to develop a dedicated website to strengthen communication, visibility, and resource sharing among members.
Participating IBS Regions and Membership
The SUSAN Network currently comprises 14 Countries with more than 580 active members across Sub-Saharan Africa, representing a dynamic and rapidly expanding scientific community.
In the past year, Benin and Rwanda joined the network as new country groups, reflecting growing regional engagement in biometrics and statistical sciences.
Current Member Countries (as of September 2026):
- Botswana
- Benin
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
Governance Structure: Network Executive Committee
The SUSAN Network is governed by the Network Executive Committee (NEC), which oversees the day-to-day operations of the network. The NEC consists of five members:
- Network Coordinator
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Students Forum Coordinator
- Mentor–Mentee Coordinator
The committee ensures effective coordination, strategic direction, and smooth functioning of the network’s activities.
SUSAN Executive Committee (Since September 2025):
- Coordinator: Dr. Tilahun Asena (Ethiopia) – feredetilahun14@gmail.com
- Secretary: Bernard Chasekwa (Zimbabwe) – chasekwab@gmail.com
- Treasurer: Kelly Taremwa (Uganda) – kellytaremwam@gmail.com
- Students Forum Coordinator: Richard Ngari (Kenya) – rngarigo@gmail.com
- Mentor–Mentee Coordinator: Marc Henrion (Malawi) – mhenrion@mlw.mw
Official Network Contact Email: susannetwork1992@gmail.com
Past and Future Network Activities
The 19th Biennial Conference of the Sub-Saharan African Network (SUSAN) of the International Biometric Society was held in September 2025 in Ethiopia. Hosted by the Ethiopian Region, the conference brought together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to advance biostatistics, data science, and quantitative methods applied to the life sciences.
Key thematic areas included:
- Public health
- Agriculture
- Environmental sustainability
- Emerging statistical and computational methods
The conference emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration, regional research capacity strengthening, and knowledge exchange. It also featured training workshops, mentorship sessions, and dedicated forums for early-career scientists.
In parallel, the Executive Board of the International Biometric Society held its official meeting in Addis Ababa. This engagement provided an opportunity to strengthen ties with the African region, review strategic priorities, and reinforce collaboration within the global IBS community.
Future Outlook
The next SUSAN Biennial Conference is scheduled for 2027 in Zimbabwe. Preparatory activities are already underway to ensure continuity, broaden participation, and enhance scientific impact.
The upcoming conference is expected to:
- Strengthen regional and international collaborations
- Expand training and mentorship opportunities
- Showcase innovative statistical applications addressing Africa’s development challenges
Beyond biennial conferences, SUSAN continues to promote:
- Capacity-building workshops
- Collaborative research initiatives
- Student engagement programs
- Regional knowledge-sharing platforms
These activities aim to strengthen professional networks, promote excellence in statistical sciences, and support evidence-based decision-making across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Contact
For further information about the SUSAN Network and its activities, please contact the official SUSAN email: susannetwork1992@gmail.com