Matrona Akiso
December 10, 2024, Cotonou, Benin – The Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology proudly celebrates Matrona Akiso, a PhD candidate & Junior Research Fellow at the University of Nairobi Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) for being named among the laureates of the prestigious 2024 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards.
The annual awards spotlight outstanding women scientists whose research is shaping the future of science and society. This year’s ceremony recognized 25 PhD candidates and five postdoctoral researchers from 15 countries, selected from a pool of more than 788 applicants. Each laureate received financial support – €10,000 for PhD candidates and €15,000 for postdoctoral researchers – as well as intensive training in leadership, communication, and negotiation to strengthen their scientific careers and equip them to overcome systemic challenges such as gender bias in academia.
Matrona’s research focuses on understanding the interaction of Transmitted/Founder (T/F) HIV-1 variants with the female genital mucosa (FGM) particularly the cervicovaginal mucus and how the FGM microenvironment may influence its protective barrier properties. Her work contributes to deepening scientific knowledge in immunology while addressing one of the most pressing health challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition,” said Matrona Akiso. “I am grateful to my mentors, including Dr. Marianne Mureithi, and the entire KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research team, for their unwavering guidance and support. This award reaffirms my commitment to advancing immunology research that can inform better HIV prevention and treatment strategies. I look forward to a future where African women scientists continue to drive transformative solutions to global health challenges.”
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program has, since its inception, supported thousands of women researchers worldwide. By celebrating Matrona Akiso’s achievement, the University of Nairobi and KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research reaffirm their dedication to nurturing young scientific talent and contributing to the global fight against HIV/AIDS through innovative research.
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