Dr. Benjamin Kagina of Vaccines for Africa Initiative (VACFA) at UCT has been selected as a fellow for the 2015 Young Investigator Program of the prestigious peer-reviewed journal Vaccine and the Edward Jenner Vaccine Society.  He also becomes the first scientist from Africa to be chosen. 

Established in 2014, the Young Investigator Program aims to assist in developing the careers of the next generation of vaccinologists. 

According to its website, the programme is designed to guide highly promising early career researchers through the first few years of their careers in the field of vaccinology.  Ten researchers will be selected every year from the pool of applicants to join the Program as fellows; they will be part of the Program for three years. The fellows are all within five years of completing their post-doctoral fellowships (MD or PhD) and demonstrate a strong intention and evidence of promise in developing a scientific career in vaccinology.  

Dr Kagina, who is currently managing VACFA while its Director Prof Hussey is Interim Dean, has been at UCT since 2007 when he joined SATVI as a  PhD student and where he completed his PhD in 2010. He did a 3 year postdoctoral fellowship with SATVI and subsequently joined VACFA as a postdoctoral fellow towards the end of 2013. His main area of study is immunology and vaccinology which includes research as well as co-ordinating and teaching annual vaccinology courses throughout Africa. 

“Ben is most deserving of his selection onto this programme,” says Professor Hussey. “He has a strong commitment to advancing vaccinology in Africa, both through his research and teaching, and he is part of a growing cadre of talented young scientists that must be given as much support as possible to advance their careers and become the new generation of researchers in this field.” 

Prof Hussey adds that this is in line with UCT’s commitment to developing early mid-career academics. 

The programme will be of enormous benefit for Ben and the other fellows’ careers, with the features of the three year programme including:

• easier access to publications in peer-reviewed journals

• a personal point of contact for questions about preparing and submitting a manuscript

• support from the Vaccine Statistics Editor in preparing an article suitable for submission to Vaccine

• opportunity to gain experience of peer review by reviewing papers in their immediate field of expertise

• contact with a network of other YIP members and Vaccine Associate Editors

• benefits at the annual Vaccine Congress, including free registration

   

“I am very excited to get this opportunity that will enable me gain access to funding opportunities, external mentorship and international exposure in vaccinology. My growth and contributions to the vaccinology field, particularly in Africa will be enhanced by this opportunity. Recent reports show there are many children dying from vaccine-preventable diseases in Africa. To address such a challenge, Africa needs highly trained vaccinologists that can respond appropriately to the unique challenges on the continent. I believe this opportunity will strengthen my skills in the field,” says a delighted Dr Kagina. 

For more information, visit the Young Investigator Program