Aga Khan University's Faculty of Health Sciences has today held a symposium to provide early career researchers an opportunity to showcase their research work while strengthening local science and innovation for Kenya’s economic development and social welfare.
The first Aga Khan University Annual Early Career Researchers’ Symposium in East Africa, which brought together healthcare researchers from universities and other research institutions across the country, also offered a platform for seasone
"This is a good avenue for early career scientists to build academic relationships through joint research. It is the beginning of long term partnerships among different researchers who haven’t previously worked together. "
Prof. Robert Armstrong
d researchers to mentor the young ones in scientific presentations.
The symposium's theme was Showcasing the Next Generation of Health Researchers and it targeted early career health researchers, including Masters and PhD students, early career scientists with post-doctoral research experience and outstanding undergraduate submissions.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Associate Dean, Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor William Macharia said the symposium will enable early scientists to contribute to the better health of the Kenyan people by providing solutions to common conditions and will also highlight areas requiring further investigation.
"The immediate beneficiaries are the early career researchers who have come together to showcase their work and learn from their seasoned counterparts, but the ultimate winners will be communities who are looking up to scientists to come up with solutions to health challenges affecting them," said Professor Macharia.
The early career researchers had opportunity to engage with and enjoy mentorship from highly experience researchers such as Professor Marleen Temmerman, who is the Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Director of the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health for the Aga Khan University in East Africa. Prior to joining the University, Prof Temmerman served as the director of reproductive health at WHO in Geneva.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Medical School, Professor Robert Armstrong, expressed optimism that by the end of the symposium the participants will have developed new research knowledge and skills that they can implement in their career.
"This is a good avenue for early career scientists to build academic relationships through joint research. It is the beginning of long term partnerships among different researchers who haven't previously worked together," he remarked.
During the sessions, participants had a chance to share their research work by way of oral and poster presentations. Prizes were awarded for the best oral and poster presentations.
Keynote speakers at the event included Professor Sharon Brownie, Dean of AKU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa, and Dr Anders Barasa, a senior instructor and well-known cardiologist in the department of internal medicine at AKU’s medical college.
