Ismail Nambunga is a trailblazer in the field of malaria control through his research on gene drive technology. His career at Ifakara Health Institute began in 2017 when he first joined as a volunteer and swiftly ascended to a full-time research position in 2018.

As a Research Scientist, his work revolves around in-depth investigations into the aquatic ecology of Anopheles funestus and the mating behaviors of key malaria vectors in the Kilombero Valley, pivotal in crafting novel vector control tools. His expertise also includes statistical analysis, epidemiological research, and conservation strategies which is reflected in numerous published manuscripts on malaria vectors and their control.

Ismail holds a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences obtained in 2016. Driven by a vision to make substantial contributions to epidemiology and conservation, he pursued further studies internationally, completing his Master’s degree in Quantitative Methods in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Epidemiology at the University of Glasgow, UK, in 2021. This program equipped him with a robust foundation in statistical analysis and research methodologies, which now underpin his ongoing PhD study at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).

Ismail has been actively engaged in various projects at Ifakara, including the Marsh Mosquitoes Project, VectorSphere Project, Anopheles funestus Rearing and Gene Flow Studies Project, Funestus Larviciding Project, Mosquito Mobility, and the Epsilon Project, focusing on modeling the potential of gene-drive mosquitoes to control malaria transmission in settings with multiple vector species.

Throughout his career, Ismail has achieved significant milestones, including his transition from a volunteer to a full-time researcher at the Ifakara Health Institute, groundbreaking research on Anopheles funestus, investigations into mating behaviors of malaria vectors, and scholarly publications that underscore his research capabilities.

Ismail is a member of the Pan-Africa Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA). His long-term ambition is to establish himself as a leading authority in the fight against malaria by pioneering innovative vector control strategies. With a solid foundation in biotechnology and advanced training in quantitative methods for biodiversity, conservation, and epidemiology, he aims to spearhead research that intersects genetic engineering with ecological tactics.