My academic training and research experience have provided me with an excellent background in multiple biological disciplines including molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics and immunology. I am passionate about becoming one of the increasing number of “home grown” world class researchers that are able to address pressing questions in Africa. I developed interest in NTDs with a focus on Buruli ulcer (BUD) in 2008 when together with colleagues from KCCR in collaboration with the Department of infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (DITM, University of Munich, Germany), I worked on developing methods for early diagnosis, the investigation of social and economic impact of BUD. In 2011, I enrolled for my PhD with support from the BURULIVAC project which gave me invaluable hands-on experience in immunology, molecular biology and microbiology. In 2017, I successfully competed for the EDCTP Career Development Fellowship with which developed a rapid diagnostic assay on a mobile laboratory platform capable of diagnosing BUD at the point of patient care. Currently my group is evaluating this testing approach in two treatment centres in Ghana. I believe that I can contribute to and drive forward innovative research answering local needs by establishing a collaborative research program of diagnostic, microbiologic and genomic excellence in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Such research is essential for good policy making and ultimately for better health outcomes.