Dr. Madalitso Wilfred Tsakama provides strategic leadership in advancing the university’s research, innovation, and knowledge transfer agenda. His role is central to strengthening institutional research capacity, promoting a culture of excellence and integrity, and ensuring that research outputs contribute directly to national development priorities and global competitiveness. He drives key initiatives through structures like the University Innovation Pod (UniPod), fostering innovation, technology transfer, and the commercialization of research, while building robust partnerships with industry.

A seasoned professional with a cross-sectoral background, Dr. Tsakama holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Agro-Product Quality and Safety from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). His career spans academia, where he has served as Director of Quality Assurance and Head of Department, and industry, having worked as a Quality Assurance Manager. This diverse experience informs his practical approach to linking academic research with real-world applications.

A key architect of MUBAS's research ecosystem, Dr. Tsakama has been instrumental in establishing and operationalizing the Research and Innovation Department. His notable achievements include leading major reforms in research governance, expanding research funding, increasing women's participation in grants, and forging collaborations with UN agencies and development partners such as UNDP, GIZ, and UNICEF. His work has been recognized with awards for organisational excellence in innovation management.

His vision is to position MUBAS as a leading hub for impactful research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He is focused on enhancing research quality, promoting commercialization, and building sustainable systems that drive societal impact in Malawi and beyond.