Harvard University has awarded Nigerian public health researcher, Temiwunmi Shobanke, the prestigious Fostering Diversity in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Research Award, recognising her pioneering work on improving access to HIV treatment in underserved communities.

The award, supported by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is reserved for early-career researchers from underrepresented backgrounds who are driving innovation in global health.

Shobanke’s research tackles the affordability and distribution challenges of HIV treatment in low-resource settings.

By integrating health economics and pharmaceutical policy, her work proposes scalable strategies for delivering equitable care to vulnerable populations.

“Innovation means nothing if it doesn’t reach the people who need it most. My focus is making HIV treatment not just advanced—but accessible,” Shobanke stated.

At the time of receiving the award, Shobanke is conducting research as a core member of the Technical Secretariat for the Lancet Commission on the Future of Health and Economic Resilience, under the mentorship of Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Minister of Health and a globally recognised leader in public health.

The Fostering Diversity in HIV Research Award includes funding, mentorship, and professional development resources to help scholars expand their academic and policy impact.

Selection criteria emphasise the significance of the research, long-term leadership potential, and dedication to health equity.

“This recognition reinforces my belief that innovation must be centered on equity. I’m honored to represent Nigeria and contribute to global HIV research through a lens that prioritizes access and affordability,” says Shobanke.

Her selection by Harvard highlights not only her individual excellence but also the growing influence of Nigerian researchers in shaping the global health agenda.