Charles Ruranga: Unraveling the Secrets of Data

Meet Charles Ruranga, a visionary researcher and educator whose passion for data knows no bounds. Armed with an impressive array of academic accomplishments, Charles holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of statistics and economics. His journey began at the prestigious Makerere University in Uganda, where he earned his illustrious PhD in statistics with a specialization in Econometrics. This milestone marked the start of a brilliant career that would shape the landscape of academia and research.

But his quest for knowledge didn't stop there. Charles sought enrichment on an international stage, venturing to Canada's Université de Montreal to conquer an MSc in Economics. There, he honed his expertise in two vital areas: Econometrics and International Economics and Finance. The fusion of these disciplines ignited his passion for understanding the intricate interplay between data and global economies.

Venturing back to his roots in Rwanda, Charles earned a BSc in Economics from the esteemed National University of Rwanda. Armed with a trifecta of academic prowess, he embarked on a remarkable journey in the education sector, starting in November 2002. Over the past 19 years, he has embraced academia, spearheading groundbreaking research, and nurturing the minds of the next generation.

As the Associate Professor of Econometrics at the Department of Applied Statistics, Charles empowers students to unravel the stories hidden within data, equipping them with the tools to shape a brighter future. Yet, his influence goes far beyond the classroom walls. Charles proudly wears the mantle of Director of the African Center of Excellence in Data Science (ACE-DS) at the College of Business and Economics, University of Rwanda (UR). Under his guidance, the ACE-DS has blossomed into a hub of innovation, driving data-driven solutions to address the continent's challenges.

Throughout his career, Charles has garnered recognition for his outstanding research contributions. He played a pivotal role as the Principal Investigator in securing a jaw-dropping $4.5 million USD grant from the World Bank, establishing the African Center of Excellence in Data Science. But his accolades don't end there. The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) bestowed him with a generous $1.25 million CAD grant as a Multiple Principal Investigator (MPI). This funding fueled pioneering research on leveraging AI and Data Science Techniques to confront the complexities of SARS-COV-2/COVID-19 Data in Rwanda.

When he's not delving into the realm of data, Charles actively shapes the academic landscape. Past roles as Head of Department of Applied Statistics and Vice Dean for Administration and Finance have further solidified his status as a trailblazer in education.

A true advocate for progress, Charles Ruranga thrives on challenges, relentlessly pushing the boundaries of knowledge. His dedication to shaping a data-literate society and empowering future leaders is nothing short of inspiring. With a passion for teaching, a thirst for discovery, and an unyielding commitment to excellence, Charles Ruranga continues to illuminate the path towards a data-driven future.