CRID played a central role in the inaugural National Forum for Young Researchers, organized by Centre Pasteur du Cameroun on September 25–26, 2025, at the Yaoundé Conference Centre.
CRID team with Dr Sara Eyangoh, Scientififc Director of Centre Pasteur du Cameroun
This ground-breaking event brought together students, researchers and decision-makers to shape the future of health research in Cameroon and beyond. The two-day forum featured a vibrant program of oral presentations, poster sessions, expert-led mini-conferences, express workshops, and personalized mentoring. The discussions centered around the theme: Young Researchers Facing Global Health Challenges: Environment, Climate Change, and Artificial Intelligence
CRID’s presence was felt from the very start. Prof. Ndo Cyrille, Head of the Parasitology and Microbiology department, moderated the opening session on Environment and Health. Meanwhile, Dr. Eugenie Magang, postdoctoral researcher, delivered a compelling 5-minute presentation on the impact of vector control on the prevalence of animal African trypanosomes in the Campo sleeping sickness focus of Southern Cameroon. Her work was one of eight shortlisted for the best short presentation award, showcasing CRID’s research excellence.
Genomics at the Forefront
CRID’s African Centre for Vector Genomics (AVecGen) team also made waves at the forum. Visitors to the AVecGen stand explored cutting-edge services such as short and long-read sequencing, and upcoming training programs in genomics. Gadji Mahamat, Bioinformatics Lead, presented the project’s goals and achievements, including its public Sanger sequencing services. Funded by the Gates Foundation, AVecGen is poised to become a world-class hub for vector genomics in Africa.
Prof Charles Wondji in the closing panel
The forum concluded with a powerful roundtable discussion on Building a Scientific Career in Africa: Strategies, Networks, and Funding. Prof. Charles Wondji, CRID’s Executive Director, joined esteemed scientists Prof Carole Eboumbou, Dr. Sara Eyangoh, Dr Abanda Ngu and Prof. Rose Leke to share his journey and insights. “Don’t follow the standard path everyone else takes; stand out and do things that distinguish you,” he advised. “Visibility comes from the expertise you gain, so take advantage of every opportunity to train”. He also encouraged young researchers to embrace humble beginnings, citing his first grant of $10,000 USD, and urged them to remember the “3 Ps”: The Person, the Project, and the Place.
CRID’s Lasting Impact
Dr. Emmanuel Elanga, Deputy Head of CRID’s Medical Entomology Department, presented an overview of CRID’s mission, staff, research areas, facilities, and collaborations. Postdoctoral researchers Drs. Estelle Mewamba, Daniel Nguiffo, Fredy Simo, and Aurélie Yougang led practical workshops on scientific writing and project pitching. As a privileged partner of the National Forum for Young Researchers, CRID demonstrated its commitment to empowering young scientists, advancing infectious disease research, and fostering innovation across Africa.
