The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) Clinical Trials Unit Coordinator, Dr Ethel Kamuti, participated in a scientific mentorship exchange hosted by the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) in Senegal as part of the Mentorship for Early-Career Women in Vaccinology programme running from July 2025 to August 2026. 

Dr Kamuti is part of Cohort 3, serving as cohort representative, which brings together six early-career scientists from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa, and Senegal, guided by senior mentors from Africa and the United States. The programme, convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine with support from the Gates Foundation, strengthens women’s leadership, collaboration, and innovation in vaccinology. 

While in Senegal, Dr Kamuti engaged in high-level scientific discussions, leadership sessions, and site visits to IPD’s Vaccine Research Centre and the Vaccinopole of Diamniadio.  

She also participated in an Artificial Intelligence and Bioinformatics workshop attended by researchers from 13 countries, gaining exposure to emerging technologies and global research networks. 

Dr Kamuti’s participation underscores CIDRZ’s commitment to advancing scientific leadership, fostering innovation, and strengthening global collaborations in public health research.