Speaker
Prof. Julius Oyugi
Full Professor at the University of Nairobi’s Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Director of the Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (UNITID)
Prof. Julius Oyugi is a Virologist and immunologist. He is Full Professor at the University of Nairobi’s Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Director of the Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (UNITID). He is widely recognized for his research on HIV, coronaviruses, arboviruses, and emerging zoonotic diseases.
Academic & Professional Background
Current Role : Full Professor, Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Nairobi.
Leadership: Director of UNITID, previously Deputy Director (2016–2021).
Research Focus : HIV/TB co-infection, coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2, MERS), arboviruses (dengue, Zika, chikungunya), and zoonotic diseases.
Collaborations: Projects funded by DTRA, CDC, Kenya’s National Research Fund, and Takeda.
Education & Training
Holds a Ph.D. in Virology and an M.Sc. in Immunology.
Trained in infectious disease research and clinical trial management.
Has coordinated graduate training programs at UNITID, mentoring over 45 postgraduate students and health professionals across Africa. [Global Health Sciences
Achievements & Recognition
Full Professorship: Elevated to Full Professor in 2023.
COVID-19 Research : Shortlisted for Kenya’s National Research Fund COVID-19 strategic grant.
Mentorship: Known for building capacity in virology and immunology across Africa.
Contributions to Science & Public Health
Disease Pathogenesis: Studies immune responses and epidemiology of viral infections.
Clinical Trials: Heads the Clinical Trial Unit at UNITID.
Policy Impact: His work informs disease prevention strategies and strengthens Kenya’s research capacity.