Congratulations to Professor Alison Elliott, Professor of Tropical Medicine, receives an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to Medicine and Global Health.

Based at the Medical Research Council Unit at the Uganda Virus Research Institute.

She was recognized for her contributions to developing medical research in Zambia and Uganda, and for inspiring young African scientists.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Women are underrepresented in academic science careers, including health research. In sub-Saharan Africa, the proportion of women scientists is even smaller, with huge disparities between men and women in higher positions in science and education achievements. Family and gender-related responsibilities are among factors that hinder most women from undertaking higher education at MSc and PhD levels in Africa.

Researchers in Uganda have made significant strides in vaccine development using a novel adenovector backbone that was previously developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, using funds from the government of Uganda. The developed backbone is an open system that can be used in the development of other vaccines for infectious diseases. Notably, the platform is adaptable for both animal and human testing and is currently being utilized by a consortium of researchers led by the Uganda Virus Research Institute and the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit.

We particularly encourage the participation of journalists, scientists from any discipline (life, physical and social sciences), and storytellers interested in science communication.

Please see the outline of the workshop below.

Dates: November 5, 2024

Aims of the workshop include:

·      To develop participants' storytelling skills with a specific focus on writing narratives suitable for publication to wider audiences