BCDI 2030
The University of Nairobi (UoN) and the University of Manitoba (UM) are celebrating a groundbreaking international collaboration with the prestigious Canadian International Development Scholarship 2030 (BCDI 2030) grant. This initiative empowers African students by providing fully funded opportunities to pioneer medical microbiology and infectious diseases research. This eight-year program strengthens a 43-year relationship between the two institutions, renowned for their contributions to research in HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, vaccinology, and clinical trials. 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 sectors.
Dr. Marianne Mureithi, Chair of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology at UoN, and Prof. Keith Fowke, Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at UM, recognize this grant as a testament to their dedication to advancing global health research and education. The program offers financial support, mentorship, research opportunities, and networking events, enriching the educational experience and equipping scholars to tackle complex global challenges.
The BCDI 2030, administered through Universities Canada, has successfully and competitively identified three outstanding PhD students from the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi.
Meet the Scholars
Out of many highly qualified candidates who applied, three exceptional individuals—two females and one gentleman — have been competitively selected for the prestigious BCDI PhD scholarships.
Zipporah Njeri Gitau
"I am honored to receive the prestigious BCDI 2030 scholarship funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). This is a golden opportunity for me to advance my career in academia and research. As a young woman in STEM, I believe this scholarship will give me hope and a confidence boost. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the next pandemic and a global public health threat. The BCDI scholarship is a timely opportunity for me to contribute towards addressing this crisis through cutting-edge research techniques to understand the epidemiology and mechanisms of AMR, which are essential for the surveillance of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The knowledge and skills I will acquire will benefit the University of Nairobi's Department of Medical Microbiology in building capacity, mentoring the next generation of scientists and undergraduate students, and developing the department's diagnostic and research capacities."
Barclay Obiero
"The BCDI scholarship represents a gateway to significant professional and personal growth. This opportunity will enable me to make impactful contributions to public health and to educate and inspire others within my home department at the University of Nairobi's Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology."
Wilfred Gitau
"Receiving this scholarship is a blessing for me; it holds profound significance for both my career journey and my relationship with the university. It is not just financial aid but a powerful affirmation of my hard work, dedication, and potential. It serves as a catalyst for my academic and professional aspirations, enabling me to pursue my studies with greater focus and less financial burden. This scholarship empowers me to take full advantage of available educational opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the university community. It reinforces the university's mission to cultivate leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will positively impact society."
The Impact
Dr. Marianne Mureithi, Chair of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology at UoN, expressed profound excitement about the transformative impact these scholarships will have on the lives of the talented scholars. She noted, "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. This program will offer financial support, mentorship, research opportunities, and networking events, enriching the educational experience and equipping scholars to tackle complex global challenges. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity, which is set to play a crucial role in addressing significant global health challenges." Dr Mureithi also highlighted that there would be adverts for one-year internship opportunities offered by the same program, providing further chances for students to gain valuable experience.
Visit the UoN and UM websites for more details on the BCDI 2030 Scholarship Program and how it's shaping the future of health sciences.
Congratulations to Zipporah Gitau, Barclay Obiero, and Wilfred Gitau on this remarkable achievement!
- Log in to post comments
