Clinical Research

Bio


Symon Kariuki is a Scientist at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kenya, where he co-directs Neuroscience Research. He initially qualified from University of Nairobi, and subsequently from Kings College London (Epileptology & Neuroscience), University of Oxford (Clinical Medicine) and Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT (Neurogenomics). He conducts research on epilepsy and mental health problems through which he mentors young researchers to become research leaders in neuroscience. He is a member or chairperson for advisory committees and taskforces of various organisations including the Kenyan National Epilepsy Coordination Committee, International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE).

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Current Work


He has research interests in (i) the epidemiology of neurological and mental disorders in people living in resource-limited settings, (ii) investigating the mechanisms of developing neurological and mental disorders including the genetic susceptibility and interaction with infections, and (iii) implementation and evaluation of interventions to improve outcome for these conditions. He is also passionate about organised advocacy efforts aimed at protecting rights and improving care and well-being of people with neurological and mental disorders. 1. Epilepsy and Mental Health Disorders: Burden, risk factors, comorbidity and response to treatment in Kilifi Kenya 2. Genetic risk and interaction between epilepsy and psychiatric conditions (autism and psychosis) 3. Impact of RTS,S/AS01 vaccine and insecticide treated bed nets on neurobehavioral impairments and school participation in children and young adults from rural Kenya (Mal-Brain study) 4. Neuropsychiatric Genetics of African Populations – Psychosis (NeuroGAP-P). 5. Epilepsy Pathway Innovation in Africa (EPInA): Kilifi, Kenya 6. Accelerating solutions for Global Epilepsy with Novel Diagnostics and Apps (The AGENDA study) 7. Evaluation of a mobile messaging service (text and / or graphic) in improving adherence with ensured supply of anti-seizure medications in people with epilepsy in Kilifi and Nairobi, Kenya (SMS trial)

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Recent publications


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