Academic Biography

Dr. Luria Founou is creating a world where health thrives, researchers rise, brilliance never goes unseen, and no one is left behind. A clinical microbiologist by training, she earned her PhD in Pharmaceutical Microbiology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) and has spent more than a decade advancing research on antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, and maternal and neonatal health.

Current Role

Head of Research at the Research Institute of the Centre of Expertise and Biological Diagnostic of Cameroon (CEDBCAM-RI), where she leads One Health projects integrating science, technology, and policy to reduce preventable deaths and strengthen health systems. Her leadership has secured competitive international grants improving the lives of thousands of mothers and babies.

Academic & Professional Positions

• Advisory Member, WHO Foodborne Diseases Epidemiology Reference Group
• Honorary Lecturer, University of St Andrews (UK)
• Senior Lecturer, University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)

Awards & Fellowships

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (Alumna)
• 2024 Emerging Leader, Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
• Affiliate, African Academy of Sciences
• Fellow, Global Young Academy
• Fellow, Cameroon Academy of Young Scientists

Leadership & Initiatives

• Dare to Dream for Africa (D2AFRICA): Founder & CEO. EdTech and leadership platform equipping 1M African researchers with tools for funding, collaborations, and impact.
• D2AFRICA Academy: Champions bioinformatics training for French-speaking biologists, filling a global education gap.
• African Women in Science (AWinS): Co-founder. Promotes equity, visibility, and mentorship for women in STEM, positioning them at the forefront of Africa’s scientific revolution.

Vision & Impact

Luria’s work is more than scientific—it is systemic and transformational. Through every project, she is building an ecosystem where knowledge is democratized, leadership is inclusive, and science serves as a catalyst for social progress so that no one is left behind.