Centre for Social Research - CSR - University of Malawi

22/09/2026

𝟑𝟎 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐣𝐚𝐦 𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐢𝐣𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐒𝐑

Thirty years ago, Mirjam van Hooijdonk, then an anthropology student and nurse, spent several months in Malawi conducting her graduation research on the social demand for vaccinations.
In September 2026, Mirjam returned to the Centre for Social Research (CSR), University of Malawi, reconnecting with the institution and colleagues she worked with three decades ago.

During her visit, Mirjam met the Head of CSR, Prof. Yamikani Ndasauka, and was delighted to reunite with Prof. Alister Munthali, with whom she worked during her time in Malawi.
Reflecting on her return, Mirjam expressed her happiness at seeing CSR thriving and appreciation for the opportunity to reconnect with the institution and colleagues after 30 years.

The older photograph captures Drs. Chilowa and Thomas from decades ago, while the recent photograph shows Prof. Yamikani Ndasauka welcoming Mirjam back to CSR and her reunion with Prof. Alister Munthali
Welcome back to CSR, Mirjam!

19/09/2026

17/09/2026

𝐃𝐫 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐝𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐚 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐰𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝
CSR is delighted to celebrate the Lake Chilwa study by 𝗗𝗿 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗱𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗮, Research Fellow at CSR, & 𝗗𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗠. 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗲𝗹 from University of Stirling. From 28 August–3 September 2026, the researchers disseminated study findings across Scotland, including at University of Stirling, University of Strathclyde with the NIHR Global Health Research team, and the Scotland Malawi Partnership’s Health Forum.
The study centres on children’s voices, documenting their unique relationships with Lake Chilwa and climate change in a mobile application using augmented reality. Data was collected using participatory drawing, poetic inquiry, and digital storytelling in June 2026.

Congratulations 𝗗𝗿 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗱𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗮 & 𝗗𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗠. 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗲𝗹 for taking this important work from Lake Chilwa to international research spaces. Appreciation also goes to the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) for funding this research

15/09/2026

🎓 𝐀 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠!!

Scenes from the University of Cape Town (UCT) Spring Graduation on the 9th September 2026, where we celebrate years of hard work, perseverance, and achievement as Dr Dadirai Mkombe Mpando, a Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Research (CSR), graduates with a PhD in Economics from the University of Cape Town (UCT).

CSR is proud to welcome back an accomplished expert in economics research. We look forward to seeing her expertise and skills further integrated into our research team and contributing to impactful, evidence-based research.

This achievement is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and perseverance, and to conquering challenges and seemingly impossible deadlines!
Congratulations, Dr Mkombe Mpando! We are proud to celebrate this remarkable achievement.

07/08/2026

A DAY OF APPRECIATION AND NEW BEGINNINGS

CSR recently hosted a special event to mark an important leadership transition and celebrate the people who have contributed to the Centre's continued growth.

The event celebrated the contributions of Ms Janine Kayange, who was recognised for her dedicated service and commitment to CSR. Colleagues expressed their appreciation for her valuable contributions and wished her every success in her future endeavours.

The occasion also provided an opportunity to acknowledge Mr Chunga for his leadership while serving as Acting Director. His commitment and guidance during the transition period were recognised and appreciated.

At the same event, Prof. Ndasauka was welcomed as the new Head of CSR. Staff warmly received him and expressed their enthusiasm for working together to advance the Centre's mission in research, innovation, and community engagement.

In his remarks, Associate Prof. Monjerezi expressed gratitude to both Janine and Mr Chunga for their dedicated service to the Centre and late presented them with gifts in recognition of their contributions.
And yes - there was plenty of good food to round off the celebration!

23/07/2026

On the 8th of July, Afrobarometer launched our 2025 Flagship Report...

23/07/2026

20/07/2026

🎉 Congratulations, Professor Yamikani Ndasauka!

The Centre for Social Research (CSR), University of Malawi proudly congratulates our Head, Professor Yamikani Ndasauka, on his promotion to the rank of Professor.

This well-deserved recognition reflects his outstanding contributions to teaching, research, academic leadership, and the advancement of African scholarship. We are proud to celebrate this remarkable milestone and wish him continued success as he inspires excellence in research and higher education.

Congratulations, Professor Ndasauka!

17/07/2026

Research Project Empowers Lake Chilwa Children to Tell Their Own Stories

Children from Malawi's Lake Chilwa shore communities are taking center stage in an innovative research project that explores their lived experiences through their own voices and creativity.

The Centre for Social Research, in collaboration with the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the University of Stirling, is using participatory methods including drawing, poetry, and digital storytelling to co-create interactive stories that capture children's unique connections to Lake Chilwa.

Following a successful fieldwork training in June, data collection is now underway. The research is led by Dr. Elita Chamdimba (Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research), Dr. Marly Muudeni Samuel (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Stirling), and Dennis Chikoko (Project Assistant).

By placing children at the heart of the research process, the project aims to amplify their voices and generate deeper insights into their everyday lives, aspirations, and relationship with one of Malawi's most important ecosystems.