Dr. Keith Fowke and Dr. Marianne Mureithi.
Canada’s post-secondary institutions to help empower African students with BCDI 2030 projects.
The University of Manitoba, in collaboration with the University of Nairobi (Kenya) is excited to share an exciting opportunity for eight African students. In 2024, three students nominated by the University of Nairobi will be awarded fully funded scholarships in the medical microbiology and infectious diseases PhD programs, funded through the Canadian International Development Scholarship Program (BCDI 2030), administered through Universities Canada. Then, starting in 2025, five University of Nairobi students will be awarded 12-month internships offered through UM’s MMID. The internships will also be fully funded by the BCDI program.
This four year program is aimed at supporting outstanding individuals from diverse backgrounds, empowering them to pursue higher education and become future leaders in international development. This collaborative effort between the University of Nairobi (Kenya) (UoN) and the University of Manitoba demonstrates a commitment to fostering education and development in their countries in the area of medical microbiology and infectious diseases.
The University of Manitoba and University of Nairobi have collaborated in this area since 1979. Scientists from both institutions have become world experts in HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, vaccinology and clinical trials. For over thirty years there have been reciprocal training exchanges which have seen UoN trainees obtain PhDs at the UM and then return to UoN to take on prominent roles. Past trainees have gone on to chair the department of medical microbiology and immunology, and serve at the director level with the Kenyan AIDS Vaccine Initiative – Institute for Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR) Director, and the Institute for Tropical and Infectious Diseases (UNITID).
Dr. Keith Fowke, department head and professor in medical microbiology and infectious diseases at the Max Rady College of Medicine says: “This is an exciting opportunity to enhance the 43-year relationship between the the University of Manitoba and the University of Nairobi by providing Kenyan research trainees with the skills that they can bring back Kenya to drive research and innovation which will benefit their home country.
The BCDI 2030 Scholarship Program will not only offer financial assistance but will also provide mentorship, research opportunities, and networking events to enhance the overall educational experience for the recipients which will equip scholars with the skills and knowledge necessary to address complex global challenges.
“As the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, I am excited to witness the transformative impact these scholarships will have on the lives of talented individuals who will undoubtedly become leaders in health research.” says Kelley Main.
Additional information on the program can be found on the Universities Canada website.