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Parasitic diseases present a significant health challenge in Nigeria, where over 200 million people are at risk of contracting at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD). Controlling these diseases is often difficult due to the complex life cycles of parasites and the increasing issue of drug resistance.

Since September 2024, Dr Ajakaye has been working at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) in the United Kingdom as part of the . This residency is offered within the framework of the memorandum of understanding signed by UNESCO and EMBL in 2022. Under this agreement, both partners undertake to promote equality, diversity and inclusiveness in science, notably by fostering the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science adopted in November 2021, the UNESCO Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers adopted in November 2017 and EMBL’s programme, which runs from 2022 to 2026.

I earned my PhD in applied parasitology in 2016 from the Federal University of Technology in Akure, Nigeria. Following my PhD, I joined Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria, as a full-time lecturer and researcher in the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology. In 2020, I was honored to receive the African Postdoctoral Training Initiative (APTI) Fellowship, supported by the African Academy of Sciences, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the National Institute of Health (NIH), USA. This fellowship allowed me to pursue postdoctoral research at the NIH, which I concluded in 2023.

After my postdoc, I established the Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology and Genomics of Neglected Tropical Diseases (LAMP-GNTD) at Adekunle Ajasin University. Currently, I lead an independent research group focused on NTDs. I have received multiple research grants, authored 12 first-author publications, and mentored several young scientists. In addition to my professional life, I am a wife and a mother of two, balancing my academic career with family life.

Nigeria is endemic for several parasitic diseases, with 200 million people at risk of at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD). The main strategy for controlling parasitic diseases in Nigeria has been through drug treatments in the form of mass drug administration (MDAs). However, drug treatments alone have proven insufficient in achieving sustainable control or elimination. Many of these parasites have complex life cycles, often involving intermediate hosts, and some are transmitted zoonotically, making them more difficult to control. In addition, selective pressure has led to the emergence of drug resistance in some of these parasites. My research seeks to address these challenges by leveraging genomic tools to better understand parasite evolution, transmission dynamics, and host interactions, leading to the development of more effective, context-specific interventions for disease control.

My research focuses on the molecular epidemiology and genomic architecture of neglected protozoa and helminth parasites. Specifically, I am exploring the genetic variations that drive parasite transmission, evolution, and host shifts. By using field-deployable molecular techniques, such as multi-marker next-generation sequencing (NGS), I can rapidly characterize parasites in the field, even in resource-limited settings. I am also committed to capacity building and mentorship, particularly in genomics. I actively train young African scientists in these methodologies to conduct quality research in molecular parasitology. Ultimately, my research aims to generate data that will lead to more effective control strategies for parasitic diseases in Nigeria and the broader African context.

I initially studied zoology by chance, but it was during my third year as an undergraduate that I discovered my passion for parasitology. Having experienced multiple bouts of malaria myself, I became fascinated by how parasites cause diseases in humans. This personal experience sparked my curiosity. Since then, I have been researching the epidemiology of parasites and recently began exploring at the molecular level.

I am excited about the opportunity to develop deeper expertise in bioinformatics, particularly in analysing genomic data related to parasitic diseases. I hope to gain a more comprehensive understanding of bioinformatic tools and software that are applicable to my research. One key area I am eager to explore is the use of high-performance computing (HPC) clusters for large-scale data analysis.

I also plan to develop robust bioinformatics pipelines tailored to the specific needs of my lab’s datasets. Additionally, I am looking forward to building long-term collaborations with the EMBL-EBI community, which will provide valuable support as my research expands.

My research has the potential to significantly impact the management and control of parasitic diseases, particularly schistosomiasis, in Nigeria and across Africa. By generating high-quality data on the molecular epidemiology of Schistosoma species in Nigeria, I aim to create a solid foundation for informed decision-making among public health stakeholders, including policymakers, clinicians, researchers and community members.

This data will help identify key transmission hotspots, clarify the role of zoonotic transmission, and support the development of more effective, context-specific control strategies. I hope my work will stimulate policy discussions, leading to reviews in national control programs and possibly the introduction of new frameworks for the clinical management and prevention of schistosomiasis. As many other African countries face similar challenges with parasitic diseases, I believe the findings from my research can be scaled and adapted to improve health outcomes across the continent.