Professor Sir Tumani Corrah KBE is Emeritus director of the Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia and Founder and President of the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF). Established just over 5 years ago, AREF focusses on talented emerging health researchers in the continent, providing them with stepping-stones to a successful research career in Africa for Africa. Research that will impact on policies to improve health and save lives in Africa and World-wide.