Dr Bernard Aliwa is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) at Aga Khan University. A molecular scientist on a mission, Aliwa is determined to answer tough questions about the brain and make sure those answers help people across Africa.
During the day, he studies tiny clues hidden in blood and tissue samples. At night, you might find him watching a hockey match or relaxing with some soul music. In June 2025, his journey will take him to Helsinki, Finland, where he will spend one month in a top-tier research lab after being selected for a prestigious fellowship funded by the Finnish National Agency for Education.
Aliwa focuses on Alzheimer’s and other mental health conditions. His work centres on metabolomics and proteomics, advanced scientific fields that examine chemical signals in the body to detect disease early. These tools are especially promising in regions where such technologies are still rare.
“This is about learning what we don’t have easy access to and using it to create long-term change,” Aliwa says.
At BMI, he is already applying these approaches. His research explores the molecular roots of dementia and mental health disorders. He combines biology, data science, and computational tools to identify early warning signs that could lead to faster, more accurate diagnoses. In Helsinki, Aliwa will work with Professor Henry Ndegwa, a long-time academic partner. Together they will use advanced instruments such as LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, which analyze biological samples with extreme precision.
“Imagine being given a smoothie and having to guess every ingredient just by tasting it,” Bernard explains. “That’s what these machines help us do, but at the molecular level. One uses liquids, the other uses gas. Together, they reveal hidden chemical clues inside the body.”
But Aliwa’s goals extend beyond personal growth. He plans to bring back standardized testing protocols, train fellow researchers, and apply these tools to studies on neurodegenerative diseases.
He envisions African labs that manage and interpret their own data rather than relying on facilities abroad. In his view, empowering local scientists is essential for building lasting solutions that work in African contexts. “Brain diseases like Alzheimer’s are incredibly complex,” he says. “To really understand them, you need to look at the whole system. When we combine metabolomics, proteomics, and data analysis, we get a clearer picture. That leads to better, more tailored solutions.”
The Finnish fellowship is a short-term training opportunity, but Aliwa sees it as part of a larger effort. He hopes it will open the door to joint research, student exchanges, and long-term collaboration between the Brain and Mind Institute and institutions like the University of Helsinki.
As he prepares for Finland, he is focused on more than lab work. He wants to help shape the future of brain science in Africa, led by scientists within the continent and grounded in the lives and needs of African communities.
