Inaugural Lecture – Professor Kondwani Jambo

Accidental Scientist, Immunologist by Choice

Building Science, Scientists and Systems for Impact

Date: Wednesday, July 8 | 5pm to 7pm

Venue: LSTM Campus

If someone had told me while growing up in Malawi that I would one day become a Professor of Immunology, I would not have believed them. My entry into science was shaped not by a grand plan, but by an unexpected university strike and the generosity of two remarkable individuals. That opportunity changed the course of my life and set me on a journey of curiosity, wonder, and discovery that led to a career in immunology and global health research.

In this inaugural lecture, I reflect on that journey and the lessons learned from studying infectious diseases and the immune system. More importantly, I explore how a fascination with understanding how the body defends itself against disease grew into a commitment to building science, developing scientists, and strengthening systems that enable research and innovation to thrive where resources are limited. Through these experiences, I argue that maximizing the benefits of science requires creating equitable opportunities for all to ask questions, make discoveries, and transform lives.

About the speaker

Professor Kondwani Jambo is a Professor of Immunology and Infection driving research and innovation at the intersection of science, leadership, and impact. His work focuses on understanding how the immune system protects against mucosal pathogens. By studying compartment-specific immunity using clinical samples from the nose, lung, gut, genital tract, and blood, he aims to inform the development of more effective vaccines and immunisation strategies.

His work spans multidisciplinary programmes bridging discovery science, clinical research, and global health. Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, he is committed to developing scientists, strengthening research ecosystems, and expanding access to opportunity through mentorship, leadership, and capacity strengthening. Guided by a belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not, he founded Science For All, an ecosystem dedicated to expanding access to science, innovation, and opportunity

Professor Jambo’s lecture will last approximately 45 minutes followed by a 15-minute.

Guests will be welcomed to attend a networking reception after the lecture.rnrnDue to the capacity of the venue, space within the main room is limited and guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis.

The event will be live streamed and recorded.

To keep up to date with LSTM’s upcoming programme of events, check our events page over the coming months.