Opportunity Overview
This project investigates the environmental factors driving the spread of Anopheles stephensi in Africa and its potential to increase malaria transmission. By integrating entomology, epidemiology, disease modelling, and vector control, the interdisciplinary PhD aims to inform global health policies in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). It seeks to address critical gaps in understanding how invasive species affect disease transmission and provide evidence for more effective malaria control strategies.
An. stephensi, a malaria vector native to South Asia and the Middle East, was first detected in Africa in 2012 in Djibouti. It has since spread rapidly, including into urban areas that previously had very little, or no, malaria transmission. An. stephensi is different from the endemic malaria vectors in Africa, in terms of its ecology and behaviour, with important implications for control strategies, particularly in the rapidly-growing cities that may now be at increased risk of disease. This project aims to understand how environmental factors, human activities, and animal populations influence the mosquito's spread, with a focus on preparing for future outbreaks. The project will pay particular attention to fostering global partnerships, as per the MRC's goals.
Phase 1: Critical Review
The project begins with a literature review on An. stephensi distribution and feeding behaviours, in comparison to established African malaria vectors An. arabiensis and An. gambiae. This aligns with BBSRC's aim of advancing bioscience frontiers by improving our understanding of vector biology and malaria transmission. The review will provide key insights into how An. stephensi behaviour and ecology impact disease transmission and contribute to global health challenges.
Phase 2: Larval Ecology and Adult Feeding Patterns
Fieldwork will be conducted in a country recently invaded by An. stephensi, such as Cameroon, Ghana, or Tanzania. Final decision of the...
An. stephensi, a malaria vector native to South Asia and the Middle East, was first detected in Africa in 2012 in Djibouti. It has since spread rapidly, including into urban areas that previously had very little, or no, malaria transmission. An. stephensi is different from the endemic malaria vectors in Africa, in terms of its ecology and behaviour, with important implications for control strategies, particularly in the rapidly-growing cities that may now be at increased risk of disease. This project aims to understand how environmental factors, human activities, and animal populations influence the mosquito's spread, with a focus on preparing for future outbreaks. The project will pay particular attention to fostering global partnerships, as per the MRC's goals.
Phase 1: Critical Review
The project begins with a literature review on An. stephensi distribution and feeding behaviours, in comparison to established African malaria vectors An. arabiensis and An. gambiae. This aligns with BBSRC's aim of advancing bioscience frontiers by improving our understanding of vector biology and malaria transmission. The review will provide key insights into how An. stephensi behaviour and ecology impact disease transmission and contribute to global health challenges.
Phase 2: Larval Ecology and Adult Feeding Patterns
Fieldwork will be conducted in a country recently invaded by An. stephensi, such as Cameroon, Ghana, or Tanzania. Final decision of the...
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Start FreeSolicitation Details
| Issuing agency | NERC |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Category | Warehousing |
| Published | September 30, 2024 |
| Procurement stage | Active solicitation |
| Response due | September 30, 2031 |
| Status | Open — accepting responses |
| Official source | View original notice |
| Last verified | August 12, 2026 |
Source: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) — Open Government Licence v3.0.
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