On the 22nd of February, Oxford and Cambridge University's African scholars met in the first joint summit highlighting students' exceptional and ground-breaking research.
Oxford University and Cambridge University have long been at the forefront of knowledge production, scientific breakthrough and academic excellence, ushering in new methods and modes of thinking to world institutions and governments. The underrepresentation of Africans and African scholarship within these two universities is reflective of the undermining of African talent and brilliance in the world, as seen by the fact that only 3.2% of published research is from Africans.
Determined to challenge this disparity, the Oxford University Africa Society (AfriSoc) and the African Society of Cambridge University (ASCU) joined forces to amplify African voices within these institutions. On February 22, 2025, they hosted the inaugural Oxbridge African Scholars Summit, a landmark event showcasing 18 outstanding African researchers. The symposium brought together 170 scholars from both universities, fostering intellectual exchange, collaboration, and community-building. More than just an academic gathering, the summit laid the foundation for new research, innovative thinking, and transformative leadership—ensuring that African scholars are not only present in elite academic spaces but are also at the forefront of shaping global discourse.
Opening Remarks & Keynote Address
The historic summit officially commenced with joint welcome remarks from Samuel Agyapong (President of ASCU) and Maryam Nina Hardy (President of AfriSoc). They shared the inspiring journey behind the summit's creation, underlining the importance of community, collaboration, and academic excellence in building bridges between African scholars at both institutions. Their heartfelt address expressed gratitude to the organising team and sponsors, particularly the MasterCard Foundation, Cambridge Africa, and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), whose support was instrumental in bringing the vision to life.
Following the welcome remarks, Professor Bhaskar Vira (Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Cambridge & Head of the MasterCard Foundation) delivered a keynote address that set the tone for the event. He commended the scholars for their efforts, emphasizing the need for strong inter-university African networks. His words resonated deeply with attendees as he declared that the summit would now be an annual event, with Cambridge pledging its continued support to further African scholarship.
Research Presentations: Showcasing Groundbreaking African Scholarship
The main event of the summit were two fast-paced research presentation sessions, where scholars were given a gruelling three minutes each to present their research across diverse disciplines, and convicncethe estteemedpanelists of judges why their work deserved to win. The panelists discussed issues from law and policy to STEM, social sciences, and the arts.
Session I Highlights:
Choonzo Chiyumba (University of Cambridge) explored how artificial metalloenzymes mimic nature’s chemistry for sustainable catalysis.
Amina Osman (University of Oxford) dissected the causes and implications of asylum backlogs in refugee protection.
Gideon Nsubuga (University of Cambridge) examined the mechanisms driving pancreatic cancer metastasis.
Reem Yehia Kamel Elsayed (University of Oxford) emphasised the urgency of pandemic preparedness in Africa.
Awwal Sanusi Abubakar (University of Cambridge) showcased how AI and digital technology enhance manufacturing efficiency.
Haruna Inuwa (University of Oxford) explored the impact of insecurity on Nigeria’s energy sector and potential hydrogen solutions.
Chinemerem Akamihe (University of Cambridge) assessed the effect of stomatal density on plant reproduction.
Marieme Mbacke Gueye (University of Oxford) called for multi-sectoral efforts to tackle Africa’s mental health crisis.
Mujeeb Adaraloye (University of Cambridge) investigated genetic recombination in plants for improved breeding strategies.
Following Session I, attendees were treated with a spoken word performance from Chike Pilgrim, a multitalented archaeologist, writer, and historian from Trinidad and Tobago. His powerful and enterntaining storytelling and Anansi poetry infused the event with cultural depth and artistic resonance.
Session II Highlights:
Bupe Lughano Kabaghe (University of Oxford) analysed women’s pathways into Zambian politics (and also preliminary announced her candidacy for presidency - in the future!)
Olivia Kamsi Muoka (University of Cambridge) presented on the Hedgehog signaling pathway’s role in immune therapy.
George Murichu (University of Oxford) explored ethical and religious intelligence in AI development.
Elleni Eshete (University of Cambridge) discussed how language policy influences Ethiopian national identity.
Charden Pouo Moutsouka (University of Oxford) examined spatialities of slow resistance in authoritarian regimes.
Hauwa Busari (University of Cambridge) proposed biophilic urban design to mitigate heat stress in Lagos.
Khuluud Hussein (University of Oxford) investigated immune engineering for cancer treatment.
Firdous Adam (University of Cambridge) looked at necropolitics and refugee displacement in Ethiopia.
Osa Fasehun (University of Oxford) explored African material culture’s role in slavery debates.
Winners of the People's Choice Poll & Best Presentation Awards:
The judges had a tough challenge in selecting the top presenters for what was unequivocally a stacked and competitive field, but based off a a criteir that looked at impact, complixicty and reosnance with crowd, they decided that:
Best Presenter & People's Choice Award: Olivia Kamsi Muoka (University of
Cambridge) – The Hedgehog signaling pathway and its transformative potential for immune therapies.
Second Place: Khuluud Hussein (University of Oxford) – Engineering the immune system for cancer therapy.
Third Place: Osa Fasehun (University of Oxford) – African material culture in slavery narratives.
Fourth Place: Amina Osman (University of Oxford) The causes and implications of asylum backlogs in refugee protection.
The closing remarks were made by Afrisoc Vice President, Kapil Narain, and Mastercard Representative for Cambridge, Shaun Ncube. The two shared a beautiful and inspiring message about the importance of unity and the need to continue working together as universities, amplifying African voices, aspirations and narratives.
The event ended in a convivial diner and a fantastic Afrobeat 'BOP' (The Oxbridge word for a party!) There was a powerful feeling and consensus from all attendees that these kind of events should continue- not only for their intellectual and academic purposes, but because so often African scholars are and feel disconnected rom each-other. Yet when united, there is an atmosphere of hope that challenges the idea of a hopeless continent.
Africa is set to be the most important geographical area in the next coming years, and Africans will have a more significant standing in international politics, health, science, environmental management and culture. This event showcased that there are brilliant voices ready to take on this mantle and set the path forward for others to join.
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