Organized by the Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, the second edition of the National Forum of Young Researchers took place from September 23 to 25, 2026.
As usual, the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID) actively participated in this important scientific gathering. Two presentations from CRID were delivered by Ngankeu Dorcas, a PhD student, and Dr. Brice Natchema.
CRID was selected among the research centers to host an immersion visit for young researchers on day 2 of the forum. Following a warm welcome from Dr. Billy Tene and Dr. Goupeyou Jessy, coordinators of the activity, visitors were introduced to CRID’s mission, key research areas, training opportunities, international collaborations, and contributions to public health. Adding a modern perspective to the discussions, Dr. Fredy Simo highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to advance scientific research while emphasizing the importance of responsible use and data privacy. Participants then toured CRID’s facilities, beginning with the insectary, followed by the sequencing laboratory, where students learned about advanced genomic technologies and how platforms such as the NovaSeq 6000 and Illumina MiSeq i100 support cutting-edge research. To conclude the immersion day, CRID team members shared practical insights on career development and the diverse research projects hosted at the institution.
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Reflecting on the experience, one participant shared: “The immersion at CRID was truly enriching. The team is young, dedicated, and highly knowledgeable in their respective fields. They showed us that it is possible to dream big and build world-class research in Cameroon, and that collective intelligence remains a key factor for success. Thank you to CRID, and thank you to the organizers.”
The forum concluded on day 3 at the Yaoundé Convention Centre, where CRID awarded two prizes of 250,000 CFA francs each to recognize the best oral and artistic presentations. The awards were presented to Djoko Arsene and Harole Ngompe, whose outstanding performances impressed both the jury and participants. Through its active participation, scientific contributions, and support for young talent, CRID reaffirmed its commitment to fostering the next generation of researchers and promoting scientific excellence in Cameroon.
