Rufin Marie Toghueo Kouipou

I am Rufin Marie Toghueo Kouipou a young scientist from Cameroon. I graduated with a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Yaounde 1 under supervision of Prof Fabrice Fekam Boyom. Being fascinated by the potential of microbes, I investigated the potential of endophytic fungi derived from several Cameroonian medicinal plants to produce bioactive secondary metabolites against a set of pathogens causal agents of Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Although, I acquired sufficient skills for the screening of natural products (crude extracts and compounds) through successful collaborations, my application for the WCAIR training programme held at the Drug Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, UK was really a game changed.

The amazing environment put in place where chemists, biologists, academics and industrials works together have expanded my view and understanding of the drug discovery process, the parties involved and strategies needed for a successful outcome.
Briefly, the WCAIR training programme I am participating through multiples courses, seminars and project meetings have been so far for me an outstanding opportunity to lean not only the drug development process but also the leadership and team work.