Professor S.I.B Cadmus
Bio
Prof S.I.B Cadmus is a full professor of Veterinary Public Health, in the department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan. He has the expertise, knowledge and the motivation to be part of the University of Ibadan Bioinformatics Group. His experience and trainings aquired in genomics as demonstrated by over 30 publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals focusing on issues relating to genomics. In the last 8-10 years, his research focus has been centered around zoonoses with several trainings in the molecular tools and epidemiology of TB in both humans and animals in various places including: the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, UK, Institut Pasteur, Paris and the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA. Coupled with this, is his personal initiative in setting up the Tuberculosis Research Laboratory in the Department of Veterinary Public Health &Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan with the main aim of advancing the diagnosis of TB in humans and animals; given the prevalence in both humans and animals in Nigeria and dearth of trained personnel and facilities in the country. Furthermore, he has also managed several grants in the areas of the epidemiology of tuberculosis and brucellosis in humans and animals with the focus of deciphering transmission of the diseases along the human-animal and environment interface.
Dr Andreas Gisel
Bio
Dr Andreas Gisel has a Molecular Biology and applied bioinformatics backgroud and he has experience in sequence analysis and biological databases since 2001 when he started to work at the Novartis Foundation in Basel. He was at the forefront for the development of databases and algorithms for the data analysis of the newly emerging technology of micro array. At Novartis SA, He was able to extend his knowledge in data analysis having access to one of the largest pharmaceutical microarray database and the first version of the human genome.
Later when he started to work in Italy at the National Council of Research our Institute acquired one of the first NGS sequencer from Roche 454 Genome Analyzer ll. The fast developing technology of the NGS technology was forming him professionally as a sequence analyst working on genome assembly, RNA-seq data analyst with the specialty of non-coding small RNA.
Since 2009 member of the bioinformatics network EMBnet and since 2012 involved in organizing and teaching in several bioinformatics courses all over Africa one of his main goal since he is in Nigeria at IITA and University of Ibadan is to teach and train bioinformatics in a project oriented approach.
Bio
Mayowa Ojo Owolabi, MBBS, MSc, DrM, MD, DSc, FMCP, FWACP, FRCP, FANA, FAHA, FAAN, FAAS, FAS, FAMedS, a luminary in the field of neurology and precision medicine, holds an extensive array of academic accolades and leadership roles. As a Professor of Neurology and Director of the Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine at the University of Ibadan, his expertise spans implementation science, translational genomic epidemiology, and the study of hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases. During his tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences from 2018 to 2022, Owolabi 's impact was felt profoundly. His current role as Principal Investigator in numerous multimillion-dollar internationally funded research projects exemplifies his dedication. Among these are groundbreaking initiatives such as African Rigorous Innovative Stroke Epidemiological Surveillance (ARISES), Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network (SIREN) - the largest study of stroke on the African continent, and the Systemic Investigation of Blacks with Stroke using genomics (SIBS-Genomics), which focus on stroke epidemiology and genetics, involving a consortium covering over 12 African countries and more than 55,000 subjects.
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Renowned for his innovative contributions to the medical field, Owolabi has introduced conceptual models like the 'Seed of Life Model 'and tools such as the HRQOLISP, a globally accepted quality of life measure for stroke survivors. His work on the 'stroke quadrangle 'and 'brain quadrangle 'has been instrumental in global interventions against stroke and brain health promotion, earning widespread global acceptance. Owolabi 's research breakthroughs extend to identifying both genetic and non-genetic risk factors for stroke in Africa, including the protective effects of green leafy vegetables against stroke and hypertension. Notably, he pioneered the discoveries of the association between APOL1, microRNA, and stroke in Africans. He is among the global top 2% scientists (2023), Owolabi received the 2021 World Stroke Organization Global Award for Outstanding Contributions to Clinical Stroke Research. He is a leader in the fight against stroke, hypertension, and non-communicable diseases, actively leading the implementation of actions against hypertension in Africa in collaboration with esteemed organizations like the World Hypertension League and the World Health Organization. His impact in academia is reflected in over 400 publications in peer-reviewed journals, h-index of 84 and over 122,000 citations. Additionally, he serves as an associate editor of the Stroke journal and several other top journals in neurology. He is the pioneer Regional Vice-President (Africa), and member of the Presidium, World Federation of Neurorehabilitation (Africa); member Board of Directors, World Stroke Organization; African Regional Director, World Hypertension League; Lead Co-Chair, WSO- Lancet Commission on stroke. He is foundation co-chair of the steering committee of African Stroke Organization; and Member/Rapporteur of the WHO Technical Action Group on NCD (Research and Innovation). He is co-Lead of the African Research Universities Alliance- The Guild Universities Cluster of Excellence for non-communicable diseases. Recognized as a Fellow of esteemed institutions such as the American Academy of Neurology, American Heart Association, Royal College of Physicians, Academy of Medical Specialties, and the Nigerian Academy of Science, African Academy of Science and Atria Academy of Science and Medicine, Owolabi 's contributions have received widespread acclaim. His significant recognition includes being the fifth individual to receive the Doctor of Science degree from the University of Ibadan, an honor bestowed during the university 's 75th anniversary.