RSTMH Chalmers Medal 2021 Lecture: Professor Charles Wondji

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK

RSTMH were delighted that Chalmers Medal recipient, Professor Charles Wondji, gave a talk at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Liverpool, UK, on Friday 17 June 2022.

The Chalmers Medal recognises researchers in tropical medicine or global health who demonstrate evidence of mentoring and professional development of junior investigators, as well as other forms of capacity building.

In his talk, Professor Wondji spoke about his scientific journey, from completing his PhD in Cameroon to becoming a Professor of Genetics and Vector Biology at LSTM. He also highlighted his major contributions to capacity building, both at the individual level through the training of several PhD-level African scientists, and at the institutional level through his role as Founder and Director of the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID) in Cameroon. Throughout the lecture, he shared key take-home messages to encourage other scientists from similar backgrounds and to inspire others to invest in capacity building. He acknowledged that although it is not always an easy process, it is ultimately a deeply rewarding one.

Professor Wondji’s talk was followed by the RSTMH President’s Reception, an opportunity for RSTMH members, Fellows, and guests to reconnect, build new networks, and celebrate the Presidency of Professor Hemingway. Complimentary drinks and canapés were served throughout the event, which was free for all RSTMH members and Fellows to attend.

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.