The University of Ghana has made remarkable strides in the field of health research with the recent award of two out of eight coveted fellowships to esteemed African scientists. These fellowships, amounting to an impressive GBP1,360,728.00, are part of the prestigious Crick Africa Network (CAN) African Career Acceleration Programme.
CAN represents a strategic collaboration between the renowned Francis Crick Institute and five esteemed African institutions, including the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) at the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, and the Medical Research Council (MRC) Units in The Gambia and Uganda affiliated with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Among the distinguished recipients of this year’s fellowships is Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Ghana. Dr. Harrison’s work is focused on HIV research, particularly HIV-2, a variant prevalent in West Africa. This research area holds critical importance as HIV continues to pose significant public health challenges globally, claiming the lives of over 35 million people to date. Dr. Harrison’s endeavors aim to shed light on the mechanisms of HIV infection and propagation, contributing to the development of novel anti-AIDS drugs and enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with HIV.
As part of the fellowship, Dr. Harrison will primarily collaborate with WACCBIP to mentor students in Structural Biology and Medicinal Chemistry while advancing his research on HIV-2 specific inhibitors. This initiative underscores the University of Ghana’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders.
Another esteemed recipient, Dr. Abdouramane Camara, a Malian National with extensive experience in Europe, will be joining WACCBIP to develop a groundbreaking clinical test for evaluating vaccine efficacy and predicting long-term protection. Dr. Camara’s return to Africa reflects a growing trend of talented scientists choosing to contribute their expertise to the continent’s scientific advancement.
These achievements highlight the exceptional research environment at WACCBIP and the University of Ghana, aligning with WACCBIP’s broader mission to attract and retain exceptional African scientists. The rigorous selection process for the CAN fellowship, which included 21 applications and rigorous interviews, culminated in the selection of two exceptional finalists who exemplify Africa’s potential in driving impactful research initiatives.
The CAN fellowships, valued at £680,364 each, encompass comprehensive support for PhD students and Research Assistants, underscoring their pivotal role in empowering African researchers to establish independent research groups and shape impactful careers within the continent. The fellows will partake in an intensive four-year training program, splitting their time between the Francis Crick Institute in the UK and partner institutions in Africa.
This success story underscores the transformative impact of collaborative initiatives and underscores the University of Ghana’s pivotal role in advancing health research and scientific excellence across Africa and beyond.
Source: ug.edu.gh
