xSTAR Project Nigeria Awards Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Arbovirus Serosurveillance and Disease Modelling
The xSTAR Project Nigeria has awarded a fully funded three-year PhD scholarship to Damilare Isaiah Taiwo at the Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Research Group (IDEHRG), Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, as part of an international collaboration with Imperial College London supported by the Wellcome Trust. The doctoral research focuses on arbovirus and other pathogens' serosurveillance, integrated with advanced disease modelling, to strengthen epidemic preparedness and public health decision-making in Africa. This milestone reflects xSTAR Network's commitment to strengthening research capacity, global collaboration, and evidence-driven infectious disease analytics.
The xSTAR Project Nigeria is pleased to announce the award of a fully funded 36-month Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scholarship to Damilare Isaiah Taiwo at the University of Ilorin. This prestigious award is part of the xSTAR Network capacity-strengthening initiative, designed to advance serological surveillance, infectious disease modelling, and interdisciplinary research collaboration. The programme is supported by an international partnership with IDEHRG, Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin and Imperial College London, and is funded by the Wellcome Trust.
The doctoral research project, titled “Arbovirus and Other Pathogens Serosurveillance and Modelling,” will be supervised by Professor Olatunji Matthew Kolawole, FAAS (University of Ilorin) and co-supervised by Professor Ilaria Dorigatti (Imperial College London). The research will primarily focus on integrating laboratory-based serological investigation with quantitative epidemiological modelling techniques. This research aims to generate high-quality seroprevalence data and combine it with computational modelling approaches to estimate transmission dynamics, assess outbreak risk, and inform policy-oriented decision-making.
The project will be supervised at the University of Ilorin under the Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Research Group (IDEHRG), with international academic collaboration from Imperial College London. This cross-institutional mentorship framework ensures rigorous methodological training in microbiology, epidemiology, statistical modelling, and environmental health analytics. The inclusion of advanced modelling techniques reflects the growing importance of data-driven approaches in global health, particularly in the context of climate variability and urbanisation.
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including tuition fee coverage, research expenses, accommodation, and a monthly living allowance. Beyond local research activities, the programme includes opportunities for international academic engagement, fostering knowledge exchange and exposure to advanced research environments. Such experiences are essential for strengthening technical capacity, promoting interdisciplinary innovation, and positioning African researchers within global scientific networks.
This award aligns directly with the strategic objectives of the xSTAR Project Nigeria, which seeks to enhance serological surveillance systems and build sustainable research expertise in infectious disease epidemiology. By supporting doctoral-level training, xSTAR Network contributes not only to individual academic development but also to institutional strengthening and regional health security. The integration of laboratory science and modelling within this Ph.D. project exemplifies the One Health perspective, recognising the interconnected nature of human, environmental, and vector-related determinants of disease transmission.
Infectious diseases continue to present substantial public health challenges across sub-Saharan Africa. Effective surveillance and predictive modelling are central to improving preparedness and mitigating outbreak impact. Through this scholarship, xSTAR Network reinforces its commitment to evidence-based research, international collaboration, and capacity development that addresses pressing health priorities.
The award of this PhD scholarship represents a significant milestone for both the recipient and the broader xSTAR Network. It highlights the value of sustained investment in African research institutions and demonstrates the impact of collaborative partnerships between Nigeria and the United Kingdom academic communities. As the doctoral research progresses, its outputs are expected to contribute to peer-reviewed publications, policy engagement, and strengthened surveillance frameworks across the region.