Carene Anne Alene Ndong Sima

Ms Carene NDONG SIMA is a PhD candidate in Human Genetics at Stellenbosch University, specializing in pharmacogenetics and pharmacokinetics of anti-tuberculosis drugs in Southern African populations. Her research explores how genetic variation influences drug response, with the goal of optimizing treatment strategies and advancing precision medicine. She also works on polygenic risk scores (PRS) to assess disease susceptibility, particularly in African populations, where the applicability of PRS remains a critical challenge.

Beyond research, she is passionate about education and capacity building. She actively teaches PRS methodology at various workshops, equipping researchers with the skills to apply these models in diverse genetic contexts. As the former chairperson of the Tygerberg Postgraduate Student Council, she spearheaded initiatives fostering academic collaboration and student development. Her ambition is to establish herself as an independent research group leader, driven by a strong belief in her ability to lead and a responsibility to support the next generation of scientists. With a robust background in genomics research and a dynamic approach to problem-solving, she is committed to shaping the future of precision medicine in Africa and beyond.

“My long-term goal is to lead a Research, Development, and Implementation department (ideally in my home country of Gabon), driving research that produces tangible results and can be seamlessly integrated into our public health system. I am deeply committed to research that goes beyond discovery—one that translates into real-world applications to improve healthcare outcomes. A strong public health foundation is essential for any nation's economic and societal progress, and I aspire to contribute to building a system where scientific advancements directly enhance the well-being of our communities”

Carene Anne Alene Ndong Sima is a part of the Falling Walls Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2025.