Employing (Home) Organisation: Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Project title: Characterization of Copy Number Variations associated with Insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti populations from Senegal
My occupation is medical entomologist and I work at Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Senegal. My research focuses on insecticide resistance and surveillance of arbovirus vectors, particularly Aedes aegypti. I am interested in understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying resistance to improve vector control strategies in West Africa. The growing burden of vector-borne diseases and the urgent need for locally driven scientific solutions are motivating me to pursue research.
Summary of Project Destination
Insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti threatens the effectiveness of vector control programmes in Senegal. This fellowship will support the development of a genomic project investigating the role of Copy Number Variations (CNVs) in resistance to commonly used insecticides. By integrating phenotypic bioassays with genomic and transcriptomic analyses, the project aims to identify CNV-based molecular markers for resistance surveillance. After the fellowship, the goal is to establish genomic resistance monitoring capacity in Senegal and strengthen evidence-based vector control strategies to better respond to arbovirus outbreaks.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
Under expert supervision, I will be trained in advanced genomic and bioinformatics at the Host Organization in the UK during the fellowship. This placement will strengthen my capacity in CNV detection, genomic data analysis, and research leadership. My intention upon my return to Senegal is to integrate these skills into local surveillance programmes and establish collaborative genomic research capacity in my institution.
Quote
“Understanding the genomic basis of resistance is essential to protect the future of vector control in Africa. ”
Proposed start date of the Fellowship is May 2026