Chalmers Medal 2021 talk: Professor Charles Wondji
RSTMH are delighted that Chalmers Medal recipient, Professor Charles Wondji will be giving a face-to-face talk at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Liverpool, UK on Friday 17 June 2022, 5-6PM (BST). The Chalmers Medal recognises researchers in tropical medicine or global health who demonstrate evidence of mentoring and professional development of junior investigators, and other forms of capacity building.
In his talk, Professor Wondji will speak about his scientific career so far, from his PhD in Cameroon to becoming a Professor of Genetics and Vector Biology at LSTM. He will also highlight his major contributions in capacity building, both at an individual level with the training of several PhD level African Scientists, and at an institutional level in his role as founder and Director of the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID) in Cameroon. Throughout this lecture he will provide take-home messages to encourage other scientists from similar backgrounds, and to encourage others to invest in capacity building, acknowledging that although not a pain-free process it is very rewarding at the end.
Professor Wondji’s talk will be followed by the RSTMH President’s Reception, an exciting opportunity for RSTMH members and Fellows and non-members to re-connect, establish new networks, and celebrate the Presidency of Professor Hemingway. There will also be complimentary drinks and canapes served throughout the event. The President's Reception is free for members and Fellows to attend. Their guests and non-members are very welcome to join this reception, at a cost of £20. Register for the President's Reception here.
Because all humans have the ability to perform to the highest level if given the right support and mentorship. Capacity building of young scientists, notably from disease endemic countries,is vital for improving global health
Professor Wondji obtained his PhD in 2003 in Cameroon with the French Research Institute IRD, working on the population genetics of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae complex in Cameroon. He later moved in 2004 to the vector group of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) as a postdoctoral research associate to study the genetics and molecular basis of insecticide resistance in Anopheles funestus.
In 2008, he was awarded a Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellowship for five years to characterise the mechanisms of pyrethroid resistance in natural population of Anopheles funestus in Africa.
In 2013, he was awarded a Wellcome trust senior fellowship in Biomedical Sciences to improve the control of this major malaria vector in Africa by developing new molecular diagnostic tools, understanding the evolution of resistance and its impact on control interventions. Professor Wondji was promoted to Reader in 2014 and to Professor in Vector Genetics 2018.
We do hope that you are able to join us for this event. Should you have any questions or queries about the event or registration, please do not hesitate to contact tamar [dot] ghosh [at] rstmh [dot] org (Tamar Ghosh.)