University professor wins Newton Prize for Kenyan research project

PRIZE: Professor Nicole Pamme

A University of Hull professor has won a coveted Newton Prize for a research project in Kenya.

Nicole Pamme, a professor in analytical chemistry, teamed up with experts at Mount Kenya University for the work to improve diagnosis rates of maternal infection. She has now been recognised for her “ground-breaking work in maternal health.”

Maternal infection is responsible for high rates of sepsis, still births, premature delivery and new-born deaths in Kenya.

Prof Pamme and her team have been named Country Prize winner, beating three other collaborative projects between the UK and Kenya.

Awards also went to collaborations between the UK and Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, and Turkey.

Prof Pamme said: “It is truly humbling to receive a Newton Prize for my work in Kenya. Maternal infection is an enormous challenge facing the country, and is sadly responsible for significant levels of fatality and illness among mothers and babies.

“This project got right into the heart of communities. We have built strong relationships between researchers, frontline clinical staff and Kenyan diagnostics providers, and as part of the research have engaged with hundreds of people from all walks of life.

“Fast and accurate diagnosis of maternal infection is required to enable the best possible treatment. Current methods; however, rely on time-consuming cell cultures from urine samples and / or expensive microscopy setups that require electricity and may not be accessible to more remote and less well-equipped clinics.”

RESEARCH: Professor Nicole Pamme in Kenya

A team of eight researchers – three from the UK and five in Kenya – together developed a new device which analyses pathogens in urine at the point of care.

The device, known as IFAST, helps improve diagnosis of maternal infections, and is capable of returning sample results within just 20 minutes.

Further funding for the device is currently being sought for clinical trialling.

Prof Pamme’s research project was one of four shortlisted British Council-supported initiatives to win a Newton Prize.

The reward for winning is £200,000, which will help take the research project to the next stage. The team will also use the funding to adapt and further develop its IFAST system for diagnosis of Covid-19 in resource-limited settings.

Jill Coates, country director at British Council Kenya, said: “The Newton Fund has created collaboration opportunities and developed the research and innovation capacity of over 400 early career researchers from Kenya and the UK.

“I am delighted that one of our most impactful Kenyan partnerships has won the Newton Prize 2020.

“Congratulations to the teams at the University of Hull and Mount Kenya University for their ground-breaking work in maternal health.”

WINNER: Professor Nicole Pamme has helped secure funding of £200,000

The Newton Prize was launched in 2016.

It has been awarded each year since then to the best research and innovation that addresses global challenges and promotes the economic development and social welfare of Newton partner countries.

The Newton Fund builds research and innovation partnerships with select countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to support economic development and social welfare, tackle global challenges and develop talent and careers.

The fund is managed by the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and delivered by UK and international partners. UK investment is matched by investment and resources from partner countries.