Connecting The Dots Wih Juliete
by ConnectingTheDots Podcast
Now on our 3rd Season"Connecting the Dots with Juliette" is not just a podcast; it's an empowering journey that sparks curiosity, fosters understanding, and celebrates the brilliance of African scientists shaping the future of our world. It is a vibrant and groundbreaking podcast that brings science to life through the lens of renowned African scientists. Hosted by the charismatic Juliette, each episode dives into the captivating world of breakthrough research in a fun and casual manner. From decoding the complexities of HIV to tackling the pressing issues of global warming and navigating the intricacies of flu and epidemiology to what exactly is in the food we eat.Join Juliette on this enlightening and entertaining exploration of science like you've never experienced before.
Episodes
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From fiber optics to AI: How Kenya can lead Africa's digital future
What if AI could help a farmer decide what to grow, how much to invest and whether a crop is likely to make a profit? In Episode 36 of Connecting The Dots, Professor Bitange Ndemo shares how data and AI could help farmers compare their options and make more informed decisions about their...
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Pelvic pain, and the minimally invasive fix
What happens when one woman's search for answers becomes a mission to transform healthcare for thousands more? This week in partnership with CHReaD, we sit down with Faith Wanjeri, Co Founder and CEO of The HEM Practice, to explore why women's pain is too often dismissed, how minimally invasive...
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Scaling Health Innovations in Africa
Great science doesn’t always reach the people it’s meant to serve. In our newest episode of #ConnectingTheDots, we sit down with Dr. Robert Karanja, biomedical scientist and entrepreneur, to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing African innovation. Together, we explore why promising...
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The workforce feeding the world
80% of what we eat depends on pollinators. Not in theory. In practice. In this episode, Dino Martins breaks down how pollinators shape ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihoods across Africa. From working with farmers to studying biodiversity at scale, his research connects insect ecology…
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From Ancient Star Wisdom to Modern Space Science
Astronomy often feels distant, but it has always been closer to everyday life than we think. As astronomer Lekshmi Rajagopal explains, it's simply physics applied to space, built on observation and a desire to understand how the universe works and where we come from. What has changed over time…
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HPV Vaccine Explained: The Shot That Could Eliminate Cervical Cancer
In this episode, the Senior Principal Clinical Research Scientist at Kenya Medical Research Institute(KEMRI) breaks down the science behind rising STI and HIV risk among young women in Kenya. Adolescent girls are twice as likely to contract STIs as boys. Many infections show no symptoms, which...
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The Blueprint for Pandemic Response with Prof Christian Happi
Public health failures are rarely caused by missing science. They are caused by missing systems. In this episode of Connecting The Dots, we sit down with Prof. Christian Happi, a global leader in genomic surveillance and infectious disease research. His work has helped countries detect and…
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The Year Global Funding Fell: A 2025 Reflection with SAMRC BOSS
Why should countries continue investing in global health during political and economic pressure? In this episode, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi explains the real reasons global health investment matters, how political realities shape health outcomes, and what is at risk when funding declines. This...
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Part 2: Think Knowledge Is Expensive, Try Ignorance: The Power of African Science Communicators
What does it take to build an industry from scratch? In Part 2 of the Connecting The Dots Podcast, we continue the conversation with Eloïne Barry and Emmanuel Dabo to explore the business side of science communication; how ideas turn into organizations, how trust is built between scientists and…
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Part 1: Think Knowledge Is Expensive, Try Ignorance: The Power of African Science Communicators
What does science communication really mean for Africa, and how can it change lives? In this episode of Connecting The Dots, host Juliette sits down with Emmanuel Dabo, Founder of the African Science and Communication Agency (ASCA), and Eloïne Barry, Founder of the African Media Agency (AMA)....
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The Politics of Policy & Decision-making with Dr. Rose Oronje
In this episode of Connecting The Dots, our host Juliette sits down with Dr. Rose Oronje, Deputy Director at the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), to explore the intersection of politics, evidence, and policy in Africa. Dr. Oronje shares insights from over 20 years of leadership…
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The Real Flex in African Health: Domestic Financing Explained
In this episode of Connecting The Dots, Dr. Vincent Okungu shares how he has shaped healthcare policy and financing strategies across Africa. A Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellow and seasoned health economist, Vincent has worked with governments to create evidence-based, cost-effective…
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Digitizing Agriculture, The Future of Food in Africa
In our latest episode, we’re joined by Drs Ann Kingiri and Catherine Kilelu from the African Centre for Technological Studies (ACTS). These two leading scientists are helping reshape how we understand food systems, not just in terms of technology or production, but in terms of who benefits, who...
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The Future of African Academia and Black Identity in a Digital World
This week on Connecting the Dots, we're joined by Prof. Abdoulaye Gueye, a leading African sociologist and professor at the University of Ottawa. We dive into how colonial legacies still shape African universities today: Who are they built for? Whose image do they serve? And what does that mean…
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The Hidden Crisis of Preeclampsia in Africa: Prof Annettee Nakimuli
Meet Prof. Annettee Nakimuli, obstetrician, gynaecologist, researcher, and Dean of Makerere University’s School of Medicine, on a mission to ensure African women’s deaths during childbirth become the rare exception, not the tragic norm. From asking "Where do babies come from?" as a child to…
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How Bold New Research Is Changing Everything: Dr Yaw Bediako & Prof Nicki Tiffin
From the Evidence for Development Conference 2025, this special two-part episode features four Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellows in a dynamic follow-up to their panel discussion. Prof Collen Masimirembwa, Prof Isabella Oyier, Dr Yaw Bediako, and Prof Nicki Tiffin reflect on the state of...
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Prof Collen Masimirembwa & Prof Isabella Oyier on Why Smart Money Backs Health Innovation
From the Evidence for Development Conference 2025, this special two-part episode features four Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellows in a dynamic follow-up to their panel discussion. Prof Collen Masimirembwa, Prof Isabella Oyier, Dr Yaw Bediako, and Prof Nicki Tiffin reflect on the state of...
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Prof. Thumbi Ndung'u on Steps to a HIV Cure
Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u returns to the show after presenting promising HIV cure trial results at CROI 2025 in San Francisco. At the center of the research? Combination immunotherapy, an approach that could help the immune system control HIV without lifelong medication. Prof Thumbi is the Director…
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Dr. Obai Khalifa & Dr. Huyam Salih On Livestock, Climate, and the Future of Food in Africa
This episode of Connecting The Dots with Juliette we’re joined by Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR (African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources) and Dr. Obai Khalifa, Deputy Director for Agricultural Development at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, two leading experts who…
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Dr Mary Moussa On The Business of Health
Health is often seen as an expense, but what if we viewed it as an investment—one that fuels economic growth, strengthens societies, and ensures long-term stability? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mary Moussa an Egyptian-born pan-Africanist, health specialist, and business development…
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Justus Ogando on The Web of Change: Connecting Climate, Health, and Action for Impact
On this eye-opening episode as we sit down with Justus Ogando, founder of the Spectrum Health Climate Initiative, to explore the intricate connections between climate change, public health, and sustainable development. With over 25 years of experience, Justus shares insights into how energy...
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Prof Abdoulaye Djimde On Outsmarting The Malaria Parasite
In this episode, we chat with Professor Abdoulaye Djimde, a malaria research pioneer, about his incredible journey from a curious boy in Mali to a world-renowned scientist. He shares his groundbreaking discovery on chloroquine resistance and explains how genomic sequencing helps scientists…
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Prof Lesley Green on Cape Town's Roots: Soil, Water and Ecopolitics
What if the key to saving our planet lies in thinking like a tree? In this episode, Professor Leslie Green unravels the deep connections between environmental justice, neocolonialism, and capitalism, revealing how historical wrongs still shape our planet's future. From the wetlands of Cape Town…
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Prof. Iruka Okeke On Bacteria, Resistance & a Scientist’s Favorite Microbe
Get ready to see bacteria in a whole new light! In this episode, Prof. Iruka Okeke, a microbiologist with a deep love for the microbial world, unpacks the surprising truths about E. coli and why it doesn’t deserve all the bad press. She also reveals her favorite bacteria (yes, scientists have...
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Prof. Sam Kariuki on Antimicrobial Resistance
In this episode, released in honor of the upcoming World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), we hear from one of the experts- how bacteria evolves to outsmart antibiotics. Prof. Samuel Kariuki, Eastern Africa Director at Drugs for Neglected Tropical Diseases (DNDi), joins us to share...
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Dixon Chibanda on Addressing Mental Health On The Friendship Bench
Dixon Chibanda is a Psychiatrist with training in public health. He walks us through the global phenomenon happening across cities- using park benches and community members such as grandmothers to address the global health problem of Mental Health. Is there a friendship bench near you? Tune in to...
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Prof. Jo-Ann Passmore on Championing Vaginal Microbiome Research
Our next guest, Jo-Ann Passmore, a Professor at the University of Cape Town, is at the forefront of research into women’s sexual and reproductive health. She sheds light on the connection between an imbalance of natural vaginal bacteria (Bacterial Vaginosis) and HIV infections and shares exciting...
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Dr. Yaw Bediako on Inventing the Future
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Yaw Bediako, a Ghanaian immunologist and co-founder of Yemaachi Biotech. Dr. Bediako is passionate about building Africa’s scientific ecosystem and the inclusion of Africa’s rich genetic diversity in global pharmaceutical research. We explore a wide range of...
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Prof Thumbi Ndung'u on Infectious Diseases & Viruses
In this episode, we look at viruses specifically HIV and the ongoing efforts to combat it. We explore the groundbreaking work of Prof Thumbi Ndung’u, an award-winning African science leader in HIV vaccine development. Based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Prof Ndung’u shares his journey to…
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Dr Charity Wayua on AI and Data Science
In Episode 9 of Connecting The Dots, we sit down with Dr. Charity Wayua, Director of IBM Research Africa. She shares her inspiring journey of her childhood in local libraries to leading tech innovation in Africa. We explore how data science and AI can drive Africa’s economic transformation…
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Prof Faith Osier on Malaria Uncovered Vaccines and Africa's Next Steps
We are joined by Professor Faith Osier a top Pediatrician, strategist, and expert communicator. With about half a million children dying from Malaria each year, Prof Osier has dedicated much of her career to the development of a malaria vaccine. Based in London, Prof Osier leads international and...
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Dr Musonda Mumba on Water, Environment & Climate
We are joined by Zambian environmentalist Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General at the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Switzerland. Dr. Mumba has 25+ years of global expertise in environmental management and sustainable development. In this podcast we talk about wetlands including one of the...
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Prof Collen Masimirembwa on Drug Discovery & Development in Africa
We are joined by Zimbabwean Professor Collen Masimirembwa, President and Chief Scientific Officer at the African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST). He is one of Africa's leading experts in pharmacogenomics. Following his scientific training, he spent 10 years working in...
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Prof Moses Obimbo Madadi on Women's Health
In this Episode, we are joined by Prof Moses Obimbo Madadi, leading clinician-scientist and Associate Professor at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. His focus is on women's health and ensuring the safe delivery of healthy babies. Prof Madadi leverages on his broad experience, in the hospital and...
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Desta Lakew on Amplifying African Voices & Science Ambassadors
Desta Lakew is the Group Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at Amref Health Africa. Her experience includes various roles in USA based university teaching hospitals and consulting with international organizations including the UNDP, and Public Health Innovations. She was instrumental…
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Prof Sam Kinyanjui on Building an Army of Researchers
We are joined by Prof. Sam Kinyanjui. He has had an illustrious career with 20 years of malaria research under his belt and over a decade leading the successful training and capacity building at the Kenya Medical Research Institute Welcome Trust program in Kilifi..
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Dr Moses Alobo on Bold Innovations
In the second episode of "Connecting the Dots" podcast, Juliet engages in a captivating conversation with Moses Alobo, a visionary doctor and entrepreneur. Moses is transforming public health and healthcare research with innovative projects tailored to meet patient needs. With a focus on…
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H E Prof Ameenah Gurib Fakim on Our Biodiversity Our Lifeline • Connecting the Dots with Juliette
The first episode of Connecting The Dots Podcast, features an illuminating conversation with former President of Mauritius and leading bio diversity scientist Prof. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim.
About this show
Now on our 3rd Season"Connecting the Dots with Juliette" is not just a podcast; it's an empowering journey that sparks curiosity, fosters understanding, and celebrates the brilliance of African scientists shaping the future of our world. It is a vibrant and groundbreaking podcast that brings science to life through the lens of renowned African scientists. Hosted by the charismatic Juliette, each episode dives into the captivating world of breakthrough research in a fun and casual manner. From decoding the complexities of HIV to tackling the pressing issues of global warming and navigating the intricacies of flu and epidemiology to what exactly is in the food we eat.Join Juliette on this enlightening and entertaining exploration of science like you've never experienced before.
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ConnectingTheDots Podcast
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