African STARS FELLOWS’ REFLECTIONS

In just weeks, fellows from across the continent have already engaged in leadership, science communication, and innovation training.

text: Katrine Anker-Nilssen photos: Stefan Els

The African STARS Fellowship is cultivating a new generation of leaders committed to translating research into impactful solutions for Africa.

In just weeks, fellows from across the continent have engaged in leadership, science communication, and innovation training, forming networks that transcend disciplines and borders. Their reflections underscore a shared commitment to tackling challenges in public health, biotechnology, and local manufacturing.

We spoke with four fellows from the CERI cohort, who all emphasised how the programme equips them with skills, perspectives, and confidence to make their research relevant beyond academic journals. What motivated them to apply, and how do they feel about the programme so far?

Celestine Kemunto Nyamari from Kenya, a molecular biologist and public health researcher, shared, “I wanted to bridge the gap between science and practical solutions for public health. This fellowship has already reshaped my identity as a researcher, emphasising leadership, mentorship, and impactful communication, empowering me to inspire real change across Africa.”

South African multilingual biomedical scientist, Charleen Wormsberg ,applied to the fellowship because she felt the need to contribute to something greater. “I was drawn to this programme’s vision of integrating science and entrepreneurship. The fellowship fast-tracks skills scientists often miss, reshaping my outlook on science’s impact.”

Kennedy Mulungu, a young Malawian biomedical scientist, expressed his motivation to develop local biomanufacturing capabilities. “This fellowship provides world-class skills in vaccine design and diagnostics, empowering me to address our health challenges and contribute to building resilience in Malawi.”

Kingstone Nihaka from Zimbabwe, a co-founder of a biotech startup who is passionate about democratising biotechnology, noted, “The first three weeks have been transformative. The fellowship has fostered networking, leadership conversations, and a journey of unlearning and relearning that empowers our vision for Africanled solutions.”

The African STARS Fellowship strives to improve African capabilities in genomics, diagnostics, and vaccine manufacturing while strengthening the African health workforce in response to future epidemics. Through this exciting fellowship, there’s no doubt that these emerging young leaders are poised to make a lasting impact on the continent’s future.

Kingstone Nihaka

My journey in the African STARS Fellowship has been enriching in many respects. One standout experience was the session on Personal Values and Vision Mapping led by Dr Mothomang Diaho. It encouraged deep reflection on the “why” behind our scientific endeavors and leadership aspirations. Through this self-discovery process, I identified my core values — integrity, family, and personal growth — which now serve as my guiding compass in both my scientific and entrepreneurial pursuits.

The media and communication sessions were equally pivotal. I learnt that effective communication is not merely a soft skill but a fundamental necessity in shaping science and its societal impact. Real-world exercises, including TV interviews and photography, equipped me with skills needed to engage confidently with diverse stakeholders — essential for a biotech entrepreneur like me, advocating for a bioeconomy in Africa.

Networking has played an integral role in my experience as well. Collaborating with talented fellow African STARS has fostered invaluable relationships across various domains, including genomics and epidemiology. We’ve even enjoyed time together on the soccer field, strengthening our bonds beyond academia and professional discussions. Playing soccer with my peers has not only provided a refreshing break from our intense training but also helps solidify our camaraderie and teamwork skills.

I envision this fellowship as a crucial stepping stone, equipping me with the skills, confidence, and connections I need to drive biotech innovation through my company, Plasmigene, ultimately benefiting the communities I aim to serve.

Celestine Kemuntu Nyamari

One of the most memorable experiences I had during the first three weeks was sitting in a discussion circle with fellow scientists from different countries. We shared the health challenges and triumphs we face, reminding me that while our contexts vary, our mission is the same: to create solutions that meet Africa’s needs through collaboration.

This fellowship has expanded my perspective, revealing how interconnected our health challenges are, and highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge. I’ve already gained valuable skills in public speaking, enabling me to communicate my research clearly, which I believe will empower me to shape impactful public health solutions across Africa.