Career path and training

Holding a degree in medical biology and a Master of Science (MSc) in biomedical sciences, Adrienne Amuri Aziza completed specialized training at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, a leading Belgian institution in global health. In addition to her training in laboratory techniques, serology, and molecular biology, she quickly focused her work on the genomic analysis of pathogens, a field that is both technically demanding and scientifically ambitious, and of major strategic importance for public health in Africa.

Alongside her research activities, she works as an academic assistant at the Faculty of Medicine, in the Department of Basic Sciences at the University of Kinshasa, where she contributes to the training of the next generation of scientists and health professionals.

Married for 17 years and mother of four, she embodies an exemplary balance between professional commitment and family responsibilities, demonstrating that it is possible to reconcile scientific excellence and family life while actively contributing to strengthening local capacities in public health.

An expert in genomic surveillance

Drawing on her expertise, Adrienne is actively involved in the fight against emerging and re-emerging diseases such as Ebola, Mpox, COVID-19, polio, and various other viruses. Under her leadership, the INRB's Pathogen Genomics Laboratory has established itself as a regional center of excellence in the identification, characterization, and monitoring of the evolution of circulating viruses. Thanks to this work, the DRC is strengthening its local capacity for early detection and genetic analysis, thus contributing to a better understanding of epidemiological dynamics on the continent.

RESEARCH AREAS AND SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS

Genomics of pathogens and epidemics

Viral genomics is at the heart of her research. Adrienne Amuri Aziza is notably a co-author of the article“Clade I Mpox virus genomic diversity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2018–2024”, published in the prestigious magazineCellThis study demonstrates that the genetic diversity of the Mpox virus (formerly monkeypox) in the DRC is largely linked to zoonotic introductions rather than continuous human transmission. It also contributes to the Panafpox project, which aims to document the circulation of the Mpox virus in West and Central Africa using an integrated "One Health" approach, linking human, animal, and environmental health. This work is of paramount importance: in a context where sequencing and molecular analysis capacity remains limited in Africa, Adrienne Amuri Aziza is actively helping to bridge this gap by promoting local research and the training of skilled teams.

Capacity building and laboratory management

As lab manager of the Pathogen Genomics Laboratory at the INRB, she oversees infrastructure, manages sequencing protocols, ensures quality control, and trains scientific staff. Her role extends beyond research: it also involves structuring and transferring essential skills for the scientific autonomy of the DRC. In a country facing major health challenges, having a high-performing and well-organized laboratory is a true strategic pillar for national public health.

A path of excellence and strong international partnerships

Since 2018, Adrienne Amuri Aziza has headed the INRB's sequencing laboratory and has led numerous applied research projects, clinical trials, and field-based epidemic response missions. A polyglot—fluent in French, English, Lingala, and Swahili—she collaborates with prestigious researchers from renowned international partner agencies and institutions: Africa CDC, CDC US, WHO, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), French Research Institute for Development (IRD), Imperial College London, and the Arctic network. These collaborations reflect a clear vision: to integrate Congolese research into the global scientific network while strengthening local diagnostic and epidemiological surveillance capacities.

To train, inspire and pass on

Deeply committed to the training of young Congolese biologists, Adrienne regularly participates in international conferences (Afroscreen, Africa CDC, ASTMH), training workshops and technical support missions in Central and West Africa.
Her commitment and strong female leadership make her an inspiring role model for a whole generation of young African women wishing to pursue careers in biomedical research. "The ability to detect, analyze and understand emerging viruses is no longer a choice, but a necessity for our collective health," she states with conviction.

A woman of science and a role model for youth

In a scientific world still largely dominated by men, Adrienne Amuri Aziza has emerged as an emblematic figure of female success. Through her commitment and rigor, she demonstrates that African women can excel at the highest levels of global research, combining innovation, leadership, a sense of public service, and family life.

Her career is a testament to the rise of a sovereign, connected, and ambitious African science, focused on the real needs of the population. Highlighting her journey is also a way to pay tribute to a generation of female researchers who are shaping the future of the continent and to send a powerful message: investing in women and local scientific talent is investing in the health of all.