Background
Dr. Ambrose Oruni holds a Ph.D. in Vector Biology from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), United Kingdom, completed in 2025. His doctoral research focused on the genomic, transcriptomic, and molecular genetic mechanisms underlying the escalation of insecticide resistance in Anopheles funestus, and its implications for malaria transmission and control. His current research applies experimental evolution to investigate how resistance develops to insecticides still considered effective, with the goal of strengthening resistance surveillance and informing evidence-based malaria control strategies. Prior to his Ph.D., Oruni earned an M.Sc. in Molecular Biology of Parasites and Disease Vectors from LSTM, graduating with distinction. This was supported by the prestigious Wellcome Trust Master’s Fellowship in Public Health and Tropical Medicine, also known as the International Master’s Fellowship. His master’s research explored the impacts of insecticide resistance on the vectorial competence of Anopheles gambiae populations in Uganda.
Dr. Oruni began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Technology from Makerere University, Uganda. Following graduation, he worked as a Laboratory Technologist in the Molecular Biology Laboratory at CoVAB, Makerere University. He also contributed to academic training by teaching undergraduate students at CoVAB and at Mount Kenya University, Kigali Campus. His early research experience encompassed genetic markers, population genetics, parasite culture, vaccine development, and trypanosomiasis surveillance, laying a strong foundation for his later work in vector biology and public health
Research:
- Areas of interest:
| Genomics, transcriptomics, molecular genetics, disease vectors and parasites, malaria, entomology, field and semi-field trials, vector control and genetic surveillance. |
- Research – an overview of your research areas(s)
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1. Insecticide Resistance and Vector Control: Dr Oruni’s primary research focus lies in understanding the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms driving insecticide resistance in malaria vectors, particularly Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae. His work integrates molecular genetics, transcriptomics, and experimental evolution to uncover how resistance develops and spreads within mosquito populations. By examining gene expression changes, metabolic pathways, and resistance-conferring mutations, Ambrose aims to elucidate how insecticide exposure shapes mosquito fitness and survival. This knowledge is critical for informing resistance management strategies and optimizing the performance of vector control interventions, such as long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), across endemic regions. 2. Vector Competence and Malaria Transmission A complementary part of Dr Oruni’s research explores how insecticide resistance affects vector competence – the ability of mosquitoes to acquire, maintain, and transmit malaria parasites. His work investigates whether resistant mosquitoes exhibit altered susceptibility to Plasmodium infection or changes in transmission efficiency. By integrating entomological assays, molecular diagnostics, and parasite quantification, Ambrose assesses the epidemiological consequences of resistance evolution. These findings provide insights into how resistance not only undermines control efforts but may also influence malaria transmission dynamics, guiding the design of next-generation control strategies. 3. Translational Applications for Vector Control Programs Ultimately, Dr Oruni’s research is driven by a commitment to translating molecular insights into actionable tools for malaria control programs. He collaborates with partners to develop insecticide resistance surveillance frameworks and provide evidence to guide the deployment of novel vector control products. By linking laboratory findings with field implementation, his goal is to enhance the predictive capacity of resistance monitoring systems and help public health stakeholders anticipate and respond to emerging threats, contributing to sustainable progress toward malaria elimination.
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- Research Groups:
| Ambrose Oruni is part of the Wondji Research unit (WoRu) at CRID |
OTHER RELEVANT EXPERTISE, PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
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Member of ASTMH Member of PAMCA |
Alumni LSTM
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Grants and Travel awards: · ICEMR IDRC/UCSF Special project Grant (2022-2024). · Wellcome Trust International Master’s Fellowship (Grant No. 203511/Z/16/Z) (2016-2019). · Global Vector Control Response Travel Grant (2019). |
Muljibhai Madhvani Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship (2008–2011).
- PUBLICATIONS
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