Employing (Home) Organisation: University of Yaoundé 1
Project title: Skills development in chromatographic and bioassay-guided approaches for the efficient isolation and characterization of anti-antimicrobial natural products from basidiomycetes
Joseph Tchamgoue holds an MSc in Organic Chemistry from the University of Dschang, Cameroon. He earned his PhD in Natural Products Chemistry from the University of Yaounde 1, conducting part of his research at ICCBS, University of Karachi and Addis Ababa University. In 2020, he joined the Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Yaounde 1 as a Lecturer/Researcher and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2021. His research interest focuses on discovering cost-effective antibiotic-like compounds from natural resources.
Summary of Project Destination
Antimicrobial resistance poses a critical health challenge in Africa, where limited access to effective antibiotics intensifies the crisis. My research explores indigenous natural resources to discover affordable antimicrobial solutions, integrating traditional knowledge into modern healthcare for sustainable impact. Through the AREF RDF Fellowship, I will gain advanced expertise in investigating antimicrobial compounds from higher fungi, aiming to identify lead molecules with potent activity. This work seeks to improve health outcomes by expanding Africa’s pipeline of anti-infective agents. After the Fellowship, I plan to secure competitive grants to establish a world-class laboratory in Cameroon, dedicated to developing new drugs from natural resources and strengthening Africa’s capacity to combat infectious diseases.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
During my fellowship, I will be placed at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, a leading institution advancing innovative strategies against infectious diseases. Working with experts, I will gain in-depth knowledge of workflows for discovering new anti-infective drugs from fungi. My home institution is committed to supporting my professional development, providing facilities and managerial backing to integrate this expertise and establish this research field at the Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Yaoundé 1.
Quote
“My fellowship placement equips me to transform Africa’s natural resources into life-saving medicines, tackling antimicrobial resistance at its roots.”
Proposed start date of the Fellowship is August 2026