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A Community of Scientists Creating Lasting Impact

Our programmes may last days or weeks. Our alumni community lasts a lifetime.
Today, JR Biotek Foundation alumni are leading research, educating future generations, strengthening institutions, supporting farmers, and building collaborations across Africa and beyond. Their achievements reflect the true multiplier effect of investing in people.

ALUMNI AT A GLANCE

330+

Scientists Trained Hands-On

25+

African Countries

100+

Research Institutions Represented

21,857+

University Students Taught Annually by 60 Alumni

$591,000+

Leveraged by 15 Alumni Respondents*

Mfonobong S. Essang

Federal University Otuoke

John Alfred

Federal Polytechnic Uwana

Agu Janefrances Uchenna

Joseph Sarwan Tarka University

Amajor Esther Ezichi

National Root Crops Research Institute

Dr Ekemini Obok

University of Calabar

FEATURED ALUMNI STORIES

From Training to Lasting Impact

Behind every statistic is a scientist whose journey continues to create impact. Explore how JR Biotek Foundation alumni are advancing research, educating future generations, building international collaborations, and translating science into solutions across Africa.

  • From Laboratory Skills to Drought-Resilient Crops

Beakal Tadesse Girma’s Journey

From gaining hands-on molecular biology experience with JR Biotek Foundation to pursuing PhD research on drought-tolerant tef, Beakal Tadesse Girma is applying science to questions that matter for African agriculture.
Read Beakal's Story →
  • Beyond the Prize: How JR Biotek Is Helping African Scientists Turn Ideas into Impact

Dr Bolaji Thanni

From environmental action and interdisciplinary innovation to an enterprise reaching nearly 2,500 farmers, JR Biotek alumni show what can happen when scientific training is connected with collaboration, entrepreneurship and opportunities to test ideas.
Read Dr Bolaji Thanni Story→
  • Building Science for Climate-Resilient Agriculture:

Paul Soremi’s Journey

From molecular biology and open-labware training to interdisciplinary research in crop productivity, soil fertility and climate resilience, Paul Abayomi Sobowale Soremi reflects on how continued learning and scientific networks have shaped his development as a researcher, lecturer and mentor.
Read Paul Soremi’s Story →
  • From Molecular Biology Training to Research Leadership

Dr Obaiya Utoblo’s Journey

How continued training, collaboration and scientific networks are supporting a University of Jos researcher working to advance crop improvement and food security in Nigeria.
Read Obaiya Utoblo’s Story →
  • Beyond the Training: How JR Biotek Alumni Are Multiplying Impact Across Africa

By JR Biotek Foundation

From classrooms and laboratories to research collaborations, new technologies, scientific leadership and farmer-facing innovation, JR Biotek alumni are taking opportunities further, and creating opportunities for others.
Read the Story→

VOICES OF OUR ALUMNI

Creating Impact Across Africa

Every JR Biotek Foundation alumnus has a unique story. Together, they demonstrate the lasting impact of investing in scientific capacity, leadership, collaboration, and innovation.

JR Biotek Foundation continues to open doors for collaboration, helping strengthen molecular plant pathology research and improve legume production for smallholder farmers."
— Dr Anthony Mabele
— Dr Anthony MabeleSenior Research Fellow | Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology
JR Biotek exposed me to advanced molecular techniques and international collaborations that strengthened my PhD journey."
— Beakal Tadesse Girma
— Beakal Tadesse GirmaPhD Researcher | University of Cape Town
The training introduced me to metagenomics and ultimately connected me to SPUN, creating opportunities that transformed my research."
— Dr Damilola Olanipon
— Dr Damilola OlaniponLecturer & Researcher | Afe Babalola University
“We are currently applying for research funding in collaboration with a colleague I met through a JR Biotek Foundation workshop.”
— Hellen Njoroge
— Hellen NjorogeDirector of Agricultural & Ecological Research, Sirisia Leadership Academy, Kenya
“I collaborated with colleagues from Ghana and Nigeria to develop joint research proposals, while also establishing new international connections through conference participation.”
— Professor Mona Zayed
— Professor Mona Zayed Egypt
“The knowledge gained has enabled me to teach biotechnology concepts more confidently. I regularly share JR Biotek educational resources with my students and encourage them to learn beyond the classroom.”
— Dr Obaiya Grace Utoblo
— Dr Obaiya Grace UtobloUniversity of Jos, Nigeria
“I had the opportunity to be recruited into a tissue culture laboratory because of the knowledge acquired during the workshop.”
— Deborah Oforiwaa
— Deborah OforiwaaCSIR-SARI, Ghana
“The whole training was overwhelming in the best possible way. I felt the need to learn more so that I can apply such knowledge in helping my community.”
— Harun Ali Kellu
— Harun Ali KelluUniversity of Maiduguri, Nigeria
“The Foundation’s commitment to empowering scientists like me has truly transformed both my personal and professional trajectory.”
— Grace Gachara
— Grace GacharaMohammed VI Polytechnic University, Morocco
“This learning opportunity provided useful information about Nanopore sequencing that will support my future metagenomics research.”
— Saïdou Zongo
— Saïdou ZongoBurkina Faso
“Before attending the workshop, I was struggling to refine my PhD research direction. The lectures provided insights that helped shape a well-organised research programme using plant breeding to address major health challenges.”
— Esosa Abraham Omere
— Esosa Abraham OmereUniversity of Benin, Nigeria
“The Foundation equipped me with the tools, skills, and networks needed to contribute meaningfully to addressing ecological and agricultural challenges.”
— Dr George Okoro
— Dr George OkoroMichael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike

Chinaza Ikpendu

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture

Harun Kellu Ali

University of Maiduguri

Chibuzo Onuoha

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture

Dr Chikaodi Orikara

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture

Abubakar U. Badiya

Lake Chad Research Institute

EXPLORE OUR ALUMNI NETWORK

Connecting Scientific Expertise Across Africa

COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE & LEARNING HUB

Learn. Share. Collaborate. Continue Growing.

Learning doesn’t end when a programme finishes. Our Community of Practice Resource Hub provides open-access resources that help scientists, students, educators, and alumni continue developing their knowledge, skills, and professional networks.

  • Watch Lectures
  • Scientific training videos
  • Research seminars
  • Laboratory demonstrations
Visit our YouTube Channel
  • Download Learning Resources
Browse Resources
  • Online Courses

Continue learning through JR Biotek Foundation’s online training programmes.

Explore Courses
  • Community of Practice

Stay connected with fellow scientists across Africa.

Join the Community

GIVE BACK

Many alumni continue to serve as:
  • Mentors
  • Trainers
  • Fellowship Reviewers
  • Guest speakers
  • Country Leads
  • AGRIIP volunteers
  • Scientific collaborators
  • Programme advisors

Together, they are helping shape the next generation of African scientists.

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE

Keep your profile up to date to:
  • Showcase your research
  • Find collaborators
  • Receive funding and training opportunities
  • Join future JR Biotek programmes
  • Contribute to the alumni community
Update My Profile
Join the Alumni Directory

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

JR Biotek Foundation’s greatest legacy is not the programmes we deliver. It is the growing community of scientists whose work continues to strengthen agricultural research, education, innovation and food systems across Africa.

Every lecture delivered, every student mentored, every farmer supported and every collaboration formed contributes to a stronger future for African agriculture.

HELP US MULTIPLY IMPACT

Whether you are a scientist, university, donor, policymaker, entrepreneur, or volunteer, your support can help create the next generation of African agricultural leaders.

Read the Impact Report
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