The headquarters building of the Higher Institute for Scientific and Medical Research (ISM) was inaugurated on 1 June 2023. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Minister of State for Minister of Higher Education, representing the Prime Minister, Head of Government of Cameroon.

The Higher Institute for Scientific and Medical Research, formerly the Centre de Recherche sur les Filarioses et autres Maladies Tropicales (CRFilMT), is now located at 285, rue 1.411 in the Fouda quater of Yaoundé. The six-storey building houses a phase I clinical trials centre, a medical centre and a clinical laboratory, research laboratories (Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bacteriology, Virology, Entomology and a P2 plus), an Amphitheatre and meeting rooms, and an archive room.

The ISM is open to both established researchers and research students. The promoter, Professor Joseph KAMGNO, is also reaching out to Cameroonian researchers in the diaspora.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Dr Alain Mérieux of Mérieux Laboratories, a large number of members of the diplomatic corps, eminent researchers and scientists, members of the government, members of parliament and senators, and traditional chiefs.

CANTAM Coordinator Professor Francine Toumi was represented at the ceremony by Professor Véronique Penlap. The CRFilMT, now renamed ISM, is a member of the CANTAM network of excellence.

In his speech, the personal representative of the Prime Minister, Head of Government, recalled that there can be no development without research, and pledged the State's support for this important initiative.