African conversations

Insights and recommendations of African stakeholders on biocontrol technologies for malaria control

African Conversations

Our Research Team

A multidisciplinary team of experts from across Africa working together to ensure African voices shape the future of gene drive technologies for malaria control.

20+
Researchers

Leading the initiative

8+
Countries

Pan-African collaboration

Project overview
Expertise

Meet Our Experts

Our team brings together expertise from various disciplines including public health, vector biology, social science, bioethics, and policy development to address the complex challenges of gene drive technologies.

Led by senior researchers from across Africa, we work collaboratively to ensure that African perspectives guide research and implementation decisions.

12+

PHD Researchers

15+

Years Experience

Leadership

Research Team Structure

Principal Investigators

FO
Dr. Fredros Okumu

Senior Research Scientist

Vector control technologies expert with focus on spatial intelligence and public health at Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania.

Vector Control Tanzania
LF
Dr. Lina Finda

Senior Research Scientist

Public health specialist focusing on social science research and stakeholder engagement for gene drive technologies at Ifakara Health Institute.

Engagement Tanzania
CE
Dr. Claudia Emerson

Ethics Advisor

Bioethics expert providing guidance on science policy and responsible innovation for emerging biotechnologies at Foundation for the NIH.

Bioethics USA

Research Team

Social Science & Engagement
  • Dr. Marceline Finda

    Social Scientist, Tanzania

    Senior Researcher
  • Dr. Samwel Liseki

    Community Engagement, Tanzania

    Specialist
  • Dr. Amos Laar

    Public Health, Ghana

    Researcher
Entomology & Vector Biology
  • Dr. Emmanuel Kaindoa

    Medical Entomologist, Tanzania

    Senior Researcher
  • Dr. Joseph Chabi

    Entomologist, Burkina Faso

    Researcher
  • Dr. Damaris Matoke

    Vector Biology, Kenya

    Researcher
Vector Control & Public Health
  • Dr. Abraham Mnzava

    Vector Control, Tanzania

    Senior Specialist
  • Dr. Eric Ochomo

    Research Scientist, Kenya

    Researcher
Project Management & Coordination
  • Sarah Johnson

    Project Manager, Tanzania

    Coordination
  • Dr. Michael Osei

    Program Coordinator, Ghana

    Regional Lead
Collaborations

Partner Organizations

The African Conversations on Gene Drives project is a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions across Africa and beyond

Ifakara Health Institute

Lead research institution based in Tanzania, coordinating the project's activities across multiple African countries.

Tanzania Lead Institution

Foundation for NIH

Providing technical support, funding coordination, and expertise in bioethics and responsible innovation.

USA Technical Partner

Kenya Medical Research Institute

Leading research institution in Kenya contributing expertise in medical research and community engagement.

Kenya Research Partner

Join Our Research Team

We are always looking for talented researchers passionate about gene drive technologies and malaria control in Africa.