NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 25 – The KEMRI Wellcome Trust, in collaboration with the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Human Development (IHD), is set to recruit up to 25 students from institutions across Kenya for specialized training in medical research.
The students will join the 2025 Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Health Research Methods program in partnership with Pwani University.
From an initial pool of over 3,000 applicants, only 20 to 25 will be selected through a rigorous screening and interview process, underscoring the program’s competitiveness.
The program is spearheaded by the Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders (IDeAL) and Africa Leadership for Measuring Brain Health in Children and Adolescents (ALMA), led by KEMRI and Aga Khan University respectively.
Support for the program comes from the Science for Africa Foundation, with funding from Wellcome and the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
During the IDeAL and ALMA Research Career Open Day, IDeAL Director Professor Samson Kinyanjui highlighted that the initiative provides students with hands-on medical research experience.
Through scientific events, mentorship, and regular engagement with seasoned researchers, participants will gain practical skills in research, with the potential for future opportunities at the institution.
“Our process ensures we’re covering all regions across the country, selecting 20 to 25 students each year who will be embedded at KEMRI Wellcome Trust and IHD,” Kinyanjui stated.
“They’ll gain practical experience, mentorship, and a scientific culture by attending regular scientific meetings.”
A recent Global Young Academy report, surveying 1,000 young African researchers, revealed that 80% of respondents considered leaving Africa due to barriers such as limited mentorship and funding, with 60% contemplating career changes.
This report, ‘The Global State of Young Scientists (GloSYS) Africa’, highlights the urgent need for increased research funding and support.
Kinyanjui emphasized the importance of government investment in research to boost Kenya’s and Africa’s capacity.
“If Kenya dreams of a knowledge-driven economy led by science and innovation, we must allocate more resources to research,” he said.
Prof. Amina Abubakar, Director of IHD and ALMA co-director, noted that ALMA’s program will equip African scientists with neuropsychological and neurophysiological tools to assess developmental delays and disabilities in children.
“Through ALMA, we’re training the next generation of African neuroscientists to understand the crucial relationship between brain health and behavior, especially during childhood and adolescence,” Abubakar stated.
