Building Capacity for Accessible, Better and Stronger Health Systems in Africa

Canadian Post-Secondary InstitutionUniversity of Toronto
International Partner Institution(s)African Institute for Mathematical Sciences
Partner Country(ies)Senegal
Level(s) of StudyResearch stays
Field(s) of StudyHealth
Key Thematic Area(s)Artificial IntelligenceClimate ActionHealth SciencesSTEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

Disease outbreaks are increasing in both frequency and severity, while climate change and environmental pressures are contributing to the emergence and spread of diseases, particularly in vulnerable regions. The One Health approach recognizes the close links between human, animal and environmental health and highlights the need for coordinated, data-driven responses. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers important opportunities to support predictive modeling, risk analysis and public health decision-making, yet many researchers in Africa lack access to specialized AI training and resources.

To address this gap, the project will establish an interdisciplinary training program in Senegal focused on AI applications for disease-related big data, including modeling, visualization, cloud computing and health technologies. The program will support first-year PhD students at AIMS Senegal, combining local research partnerships with advanced training at the University of Toronto. By strengthening local expertise and collaboration, the project aims to build sustainable AI capacity for public health research and innovation in Africa.

Candidate Profile:

First-year PhD students enrolled at AIMS Senegal. Students will co-develop research projects with local knowledge users and partners before continuing advanced training at the University of Toronto during their second year. They will then return to Senegal to continue their research under dual supervision.

Number of scholarship positions:

8
5 women, 3 men

Length of Stay in Canada:

12 months

For more info:

https://www.utoronto.ca/news/selling-peanuts-saving-lives-researcher-uses-ai-combat-health-misinformation-across-africa

 

Project Partners: