Dr. Joan Simam, Ph.D., is a Kenyan scientist and public health leader specializing in genomics, cancer diagnostics, malaria research, and science education. She currently serves as Head of Research and Data Informatics at the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), where she plays a key role in advancing cancer research and control strategies.
Dr. Simam is a graduate of Harvard University,Bachelor of Arts in Biochemical Sciences (2005–2009).The Open University (UK) Ph.D. in Life Sciences (2011–2015), focusing on Genetic Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology
Professional Experience
National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K)
Head of Research and Data Informatics Directorate(Aug 2024 – Present)
Principal Research and Clinical Trials Officer(Jun 2024 – Present)
Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST)Adjunct Lecturer (2017 – Present)
AOCC Genomics Lab, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)-Visiting Scientist (2015–2016)
KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme- Ph.D. student and Research Assistant (2009–2015)
Contributions to Public Health
Dr Simam Delivered opening remarks at the Cancer Community Clinic Linkage (C3LINK) Conference, emphasizing partnerships to combat Kenya’s growing cancer burden.
She Advocated for early detection and screening of breast and cervical cancer, highlighting that Kenya records ~48,000 new cancer cases and ~29,000 cancer-related deaths annually.
And Further Stressed the importance of digital health innovations linking screening data to the national cancer registry.