Jaye Assan was elected as an AAS Fellow in 2015. As a fellow, Jaye Assan contributes to the development of the Academy's strategic direction through participation in AAS activities and governance structures. This gears the Academy's vision of transforming African lives through science.
Dr Jaye is a Senior Scientist and the Head of HIV Research at the Medical Research (MRC), The Gambia Unit His initial research focused on measles immune responses in children. This work produced data that helped in the understanding of measles immune response during infection and after recovery. The work led to optimal measure of responses and recommendation of early schedule of measles vaccination in children, which is important for achieving high coverage and child survival. His work remit broadened to include the study of HIV-2 immune responses and contributed in understanding the qualitative cellular immune responses in HIV-2 non-progression, which is important for informing anti-HIV-1 immune correlates of protection for vaccine design. Dr Jaye received an International Leadership award in 2007 from Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation for research on paediatric HIV pathogenesis and treatment. Dr Jaye headed the MRC Higher Degrees Programme and created a sub-regional network for nurturing and mentoring career development in health research. He received the MRC Director’s Award for Inspirational Leadership. His other awards are Leading Health Professional: IBC, UK in 2011 and the MRC, Gambia Unit Director’s Award: Inspirational Leadership in 2013. Dr Jaye is also a member of the Royal Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Gambia Veterinary Association and is the President of The Gambia Immunology Society.
