Our Story
Discover Cirma’s Inspiring Story
Our Story
The International Center for Applied Multidisciplinary Research (CIRMA) was founded on April 26, 2025, in Kinshasa, DRC, to address Africa’s urgent need for innovation in research. We work with universities, research centers, and industry to develop practical solutions to local and regional challenges. Our mission is to encourage young researchers, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by providing opportunities for doctoral and postdoctoral studies, high-impact scientific research, and multidisciplinary collaboration. CIRMA serves as a platform where Supervisory Agencies (AGeT) and institutions join forces to foster creativity, innovation, and applied research that penetrates institutional boundaries and supports Africa’s endogenous development.
Our Values
At Cirma, our core values guide our mission and actions in the educational landscape.
Collaboration
Partnering across borders and disciplines.
Excellence
Maintaining high scientific and ethical standards.
Impact
Focusing on research that delivers tangible benefits.
Innovation
Encouraging creativity and new approaches.
Our Structure
CIRMA operates through:
- Board of Directors
- Scientific Council
- Management Committee
- Supervisory Agencies (AGeT)
Founding Universities
Partnering across borders and disciplines.
AGeT’s Involvement and Commitment
Supervisory Agencies (AGeTs) are vital partners in CIRMA’s mission. They collaborate through legal agreements, manage specialized departments, and provide scientific and operational leadership while maintaining institutional autonomy.
Supervises CIRMA departments or specializations.
Linked by formal collaboration agreements.
Manages CIRMA’s departments or programs.
Retains autonomous management.
Supervises doctoral/postdoctoral students and reviews CIRMA publications.
Appoints focal points within CIRMA.
Maintains independent facilities while encouraging shared resources.
Contributes to operating costs and benefits from CIRMA resources.
CIRMA Management Tools
To ensure efficiency, transparency, and innovation, CIRMA relies on a comprehensive set of management tools:
Strategic & Planning
- Strategic Plan for Applied Research (PSRA)
- Activity programming and budgeting cycle
- Research proposals & project design
Operational Tools
- Management software & accounting systems
- Infrastructure development strategy
- Training manuals for CIRMA staff and partners
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Activity tracking and performance evaluation
- Internal & external management audits
- Scientific and technical control systems
Innovation & Knowledge Sharing
- Incubation, acceleration, and result dissemination mechanisms
- Scientific journal, training seminars, conferences, and outreach
- Research materials and products adopted by entrepreneurs & social actors
Community Engagement
- Support for development research, studies, and consultations
- Community service initiatives
Governance & Strategic Planning
CIRMA’s management operates through a structured and collaborative approach
Five-Year Plans
Drafted by the Director General with input from the Scientific Secretary, UFR leaders, and administrative/financial teams.
Board of Directors Oversight
Reviews and approves plans, evaluates scientific and technical quality, and validates budgets.
Program Development
Each UFR designs specific programs aligned with CIRMA’s strategic direction.
Budget & Finance
A unified budget integrates project funding, grants, and revenue. Expenditure follows best practices in accountability and donor reporting.
Collaborative Leadership
UFR Directors and department heads work with the Scientific Council, fostering consultation, evaluation, and collective decision-making.