By Damilola Aderohunmu, Research Assistant, Covenant University. 

In your opinion, which scientific questions will set the trends in the coming decade, and which science problems would you like to tackle?

As an African scientist, in the coming decade I believe interdisciplinary health research tailored towards the challenges that affect the continent will dominate the scientific space. Precision medicine with the genetic diversity of Africans taken into consideration. More scientists are collaborating from within and outside the continent and resources are being shared for the love of science.

Right now, I would like to work on drug discovery research that is tailored towards diseases.

How do you experience diverse leadership, diversity in your lab, publication and peer-review, promotion and career progression, in your host country? What are the impediments for creating inclusive, equitable research labs, departments and practices?

In order to have an inclusive laboratory, there should be a lot more focus on mentorship relationship and openness of research. Different research teams within a department should be collaborate where possible and have discussions on their different projects to aid this. Funding universities and creating more research laboratories will go a long way to encourage scientific research and creating more inclusive laboratories.

What is your message to the next generation of scientists, and what are your tips for their success?

I am basically a new generation of scientist but I will like to tell them to hold on even when the procedures don’t go as planned. There is always a solution. It might be found in page 3000 of a google search or a discussion with a more experienced colleague.

Always ask questions/ Keep the curiosity alive.

Don’t forget to enjoy the chemistry amidst the lab chaos.

Never throw away your ethics. I don’t think a scientist without ethics can be called one.

Be kind.

Don’t be scared to collaborate to make the science better.

Stay true to the science with all diligence.

Try to live a balanced life.

Stay abreast of advances in your field.

Science is hard work but if it is what you are passionate about, you are capable of excelling at it.