When Dr. Samson Pandam Salifu joined the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in December 2014, he brought with him years of international research experience and a clear focus: using genomics and molecular science to strengthen diagnostics, research capacity and postgraduate training in Ghana.
More than a decade on, that work has earned him promotion to Associate Professor in the College of Science.
Prof. Salifu is a member of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology in the Faculty of Biosciences, where his research sits at the crossroads of genomics, molecular biology, forensic science and public health.
His work focuses on the application of genomics to species profiling and the development of novel diagnostic tools for bacterial and viral pathogens affecting human, animal and environmental health.
His academic journey spans three countries. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Science from Gazi University in Ankara, Turkey, an MSc with Distinction in Biomedical Science, and a PhD in Comparative Viral Genomics from Edinburgh Napier University in the United Kingdom.
Following his doctoral studies, he served as a Research Fellow at Edinburgh Napier University before returning to Ghana to take up the position of Head of Laboratories at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR), one of the country’s leading research and clinical diagnostic centres.
At KCCR, Prof. Salifu played a central role in the operation and management of advanced research and diagnostic laboratory facilities, experience that continues to shape his work at KNUST. He has since become a key figure in strengthening laboratory systems, molecular diagnostics and research governance within the university.
Beyond campus, his expertise has contributed to national public health efforts. He has served as an external quality control assessor for the Ghana National Tuberculosis Control Programme and as a member of the TB diagnostics laboratories technical advisory committee, supporting efforts to improve diagnostic standards nationwide.
Prof. Salifu is also widely recognised for his contributions to bioinformatics training and capacity building across Africa. He has worked extensively with H3ABioNet, a pan-African bioinformatics network, serving as co-chair of its User Support Working Group and as a member of its Education and Training Working Group.
