Canada and Kenya Forge Pathways for Future Leaders in Health Sciences with BCDI 2030 Initiative

Prof. Keith Fowke & Dr. Marianne Mureithi

The University of Nairobi (UoN) and the University of Manitoba (UM) are celebrating a groundbreaking international collaboration as they secure the prestigious Canadian International Development Scholarship 2030 (BCDI 2030) grant. This collaboration promises to empower African students with fully funded opportunities to pioneer medical microbiology and infectious diseases research.

The BCDI 2030, administered through Universities Canada, is set to fund the studies and capacity-building endeavors of three PhD students and five interns from the University of Nairobi. Starting in 2025, these students will embark on 12-month internships at UM's Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (MMID), fully funded by the BCDI program. This initiative is part of a broader commitment announced in November 2023 to provide over 200 African students with the opportunity to study at Canadian post-secondary institutions.

This eight-year program strengthens a 43-year relationship between the two institutions, renowned for their contributions to HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, vaccinology, and clinical trials research. The collaboration has facilitated reciprocal training exchanges, with UoN trainees achieving PhDs at UM and taking on significant roles upon their return, including leadership positions within UoN's health research and education.

Dr. Marianne Mureithi and Prof. Keith Fowke, who lead the respective departments at UoN and UM, recognize this grant as a testament to their dedication to advancing global health research and education. The program will not only offer financial support but also mentorship, research opportunities, and networking events, enriching the educational experience and equipping scholars to tackle complex global challenges.

Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, expresses enthusiasm for the transformative impact these scholarships will have on the lives of talented individuals poised to become leaders in international development and health research.

This landmark achievement, marked by a significant grant of approximately 70 million Kenyan Shillings, underscores the strength of international partnerships in driving innovation and research that can make a global impact. Both institutions express their deepest gratitude for an opportunity that is set to play a crucial role in addressing significant global health challenges.

For more details on the BCDI 2030 Scholarship Program and how it's shaping the future of health sciences, visit the click here