Our Team

Dr Dawn Duke is Head of Programmes for African Research Excellence Fund (AREF). She oversees AREF’s professional development programmes for postdoctoral researchers in Africa, supporting researchers’ transition to independence. Before joining AREF, she was Head of Researcher Development and Engagement at the University of Surrey, supporting doctoral and early career researchers throughout their career journeys and providing supervisor training. Dawn received her Neuroscience PhD from Imperial College. In 2008, she moved from researching and teaching neuroscience to concentrate fully on supporting the professional development of researchers.  She has a wide range of experience in designing, delivering and strategically leading professional/career development programmes for early career researchers, as well as research supervisors in the UK, Europe and Africa. Dawn is dedicated to supporting the next generation of researcher leaders to take on the challenge of utilising their amazing talent to address the complex problems facing our world today and in the future. She’s on LinkedIn as @Dawn Duke.

Dr. Catherine Kansiime joined AREF in April 2023 as a Researcher Development Manager. She is responsible for the delivery of the portfolio of Academy programmes that includes providing training, developing and delivering professional development for African post-doctoral researchers and early career researchers (ECRs). Catherine holds a BA Social Sciences, MSc Epidemiology and Biostatics and a PhD in Public Health from Makerere University in Uganda. She has 10 years of experience leading research teams and projects. Before joining AREF, she was a Trial Manager leading 60 researchers on Menstrual health interventions, schooling and mental health symptoms among Ugandan students (MENISCUS). A school-based cluster-randomised trial in 60 schools at the MRC -Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit. Catherine is passionate about professional development, leadership and capacity strengthening of researchers. Her other interests are in adolescent health especially Sexual Reproductive Health and women empowerment.

Carla started working for AREF in January 2023 as Head of Fundraising and is responsible for leading and managing AREF’s fundraising strategy and activities. If you want to add value to our work through institutional donor or individual giving, Carla can help you on how you can make this impact. Carla is an experienced international development professional with an MA in International Relations from the University of Warwick. She has extensive experience in trusts and foundations, institutional fundraising, corporate fundraising and major donor fundraising and has worked with budgets of £3 million+. In addition, she has a strong background in forging impactful and meaningful strategic multi-stakeholder relationships and consortiums with other NGO’s, academics and further tactical collaborations to enhance impact. Prior to joining AREF, Carla worked at AfriKids as Head of Grants and Programme Funding and prior to this she worked on projects specifically focused on Africa in INGOs such as Transform Trade (previously known as Traidcraft Exchange), Youth Business International and Room to Read, where she worked closely with in country teams to devise and write large funding proposals. As part of her roles, she has travelled to both East and West Africa to work with colleagues and key local stakeholders to brainstorm and devise all aspects of funding bids and proposals.

Irene previously served as AREF’s Training Events Manager, Programmes and Office Manager, Data and Governance Manager before assuming her current role. She plays a crucial role in managing and providing governance support to the Africa Research Excellence Fund UK and Africa registered charities’, Board of Trustees and our committees and works with colleagues to ensure good data and governance practices are embedded across the organisation. 

Irene holds an MSc in Marketing and previously worked at QCell, one of The Gambia’s largest telecommunications companies. She now focuses her skills on building AREF’s alumni community and supporting researchers to foster collaborations, to ultimately advance their careers and increase their individual and collective contributions to African health research. 

Abbis joined AREF in December 2023. She is a highly skilled and detail-oriented professional with 4 years of experience in project development, planning and implementation. With her strong academic background and practical experience, she is an asset to AREF. In her role as part of the Researcher Development Team, she supports the team with various operational tasks to ensure the successful delivery of Academy and Awards. Prior to joining AREF, Abbis served as a Program Coordinator for TAF Africa Global, where she gained extensive experience in program planning, development, and implementation. She is dedicated to making a positive impact through her work.

Jarrai joined AREF in May 2024 as a Project Officer, following over 4 years’ experience in project Management. Prior to this, Jarrai worked at Maribantang Chambers as a clerk supporting in administrative and financial tasks. In her recent experience, she worked with the
Medical Research Council (MRC) for the past four (4) years under two projects: as a Clinical Trial Assistant for eKMC (Early Kangaroo Mother Care) Project and a Senior Clinical Trial Assistant for ETVAX (Enteroloxigenic Escherichia Coli Vaccine Trial.
Jarrai is currently doing her BSC in Business Administration at the American International University West Africa (AIUWA). Jarrai has gained experience in financial and management studies by studying Certified Accounting Techician at the Management Development Institute
(MDI).
As a project officer she brings a dynamic blend of organizational prowess, strategic thinking and proactive problem-solving to every initiative, she undertakes. With a keen eye for detail and commitment to excellence, she thrives in environments that demand adaptability and innovation. She attains the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse teams, ensuring smooth project execution while fostering a culture of teamwork. In this newly appointed role, Jarrai is looking forward to driving positive change and delivering results that exceed expectations at AREF.

Awa joined AREF in October 2023, following over 6 years of communications experience. Over the years she has gained a plethora of experience working with organizations focused on climate change, migration, engendered peace and security, education, and child rights. Her previous role as Communications and Knowledge Management Analyst, at United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) allowed her to spearhead the formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies tightly linked to the program priorities, which boosted demand for various service lines and increased the awareness of UNCDF. Awa also worked at International Organization for Migration (IOM) for four years as a Strategic Communications National Officer and Awareness Raising Assistant/Consultant, in The Gambia. Prior to that, Awa tapped into an array of different work experiences including quantitative research (Enda Sante), women empowerment (Femmes Africa Solidarite) and Child Protection (UNICEF). She holds her Masters in Africa and International Development from the University of Edinburgh.

Sereign recently joined AREF in December 2023 as an Administrative Assistant. His role as an Admin Assistant helps to provide crucial administrative support for our day-to-day operations. Sereign Fallou holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Lovely Professional University in  India. 

Fallou previously worked for The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Gambia Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment and FirstBank Gambia Limited before joining AREF. Fallou has also participated in Community Development with PAHAL NGO, one of the leading NGO’s in India and the largest functional NGO in Punjab, an organisation which focus on Health, Education, Environment and Communication. 

Edrisa recently joined AREF in December 2022 to help us provide financial management and day-to-day operational control of our finances. He is a qualified chartered accountant and has experience working with Trust Bank Gambia Limited, then moved on to the public sector to work with parastatals in various capacities before joining us.

In his spare time he learns new skills and enjoys watching tv. 

Lamin is a graduate from the University of The Gambia with a BSc in Accountancy. He has worked at First bank after completion of his university degree where he was exposed to the banking sector. He then moved to Enterprise Life Assurance Company where his career as a finance person began and attended trainings in many financial disciplines including Money Laundering, Calculation of Insurance Accounts, and The Introduction of IFRS 17.

Lamin Joined AREF in December 2023 to assist in performing the routine processing of financial transactions to ensure that AREF Finance are maintained in an effective, up to date and accurate manner. He enjoys team work and always inquisitive to learn new things from other people.