eLife Journal, a leading peer-reviewed open access scientific journal for the biomedical and life sciences, has appointed WACCBIP Research Fellow, Dr. Yaw Bediako, to its Early-Career Advisory Group (ECAG).

Dr. Bediako joins the group after emerging as one of only six successful applicants, following a competitive application process which saw 22 scientists shortlisted out of more than 90 applications. Of the six to make the final cut, Dr. Bediako was one of only two Africans to be appointed.
As a member of the ECAG, Dr. Bediako will help guide eLife in its initiatives directed at creating a research culture that is healthy for science and for scientists.
“On a personal level, I feel this is a validation for my contribution so far and it allows me to promote the cause of young African scientists and have a say in how a big journal like eLife operates,” Dr. Bediako said. “eLife is a big platform that gives me the opportunity to reach a broader audience, championing the things I am passionate about such as improving equity for under-represented groups in scientific communication.”
Dr. Bediako's research at WACCBIP explores how host-pathogen interactions uniquely shape the immune systems of individuals living in Africa, with important implications for both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Besides being the Centre's Head of Advancement, he leads the African Science Initiative (ASI), a WACCBIP-supported platform that aims to enhance the visibility of African contributions to science and catalyse the establishment of productive collaborations between African scientists.
He is also a Crick African Network Fellow.