Damilola Adegbite
3rd Year Medical Student, University of Lagos, Nigeria

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Introduction

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to attend the Global Health and Bioethics International Conference held at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, in July 2025.

As a medical student and early career researcher representing the University of Lagos, this experience broadened my intellectual and global perspectives in ways I will carry throughout my academic and professional journey. I am also immensely grateful to Global Health Research Lab Online for the mentorship and support through the step-by-step process for this opportunity.

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Objective of the Visit

The primary objective of this visit is to show that medical students and young doctors can experience the full benefits of becoming a researcher:

• Participate in research
• Publish papers
• Find the right mentors
• Attend international conferences
• Engage in global conversations, not just follow them

The Global Health Research Lab Online offered this opportunity to engage in high-level conversations that broadened my perspective this past week.

Being able to have meaningful discussions about the research study I presented, “Research Opportunities and Barriers for Medical Students in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Focus on Nigeria”, a study personal to me and many other Nigerian medical students, showed clearly that our voices are needed on a global stage.

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Key Sessions and Moments

• Insights into funding opportunities, mentorship, and navigating academic publishing as a young researcher
• Interactive workshops on bioethics in cross-border clinical trials
• A powerful session on decolonizing global health research and its implications for African institutions
• An inspiring keynote by Dr Caesar Atuire on solidarity ethics for a renewed global health

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What I Learned

From Conference Lectures

• A deeper understanding of bioethics, particularly informed consent, community engagement, and power dynamics in global health research
• Practical knowledge on building equitable collaborations between high-income and low- and middle-income countries
• Exposure to interdisciplinary methods combining medicine, humanities, and social sciences to address health challenges
• Connections with global mentors and young researchers working on innovative health interventions

From Conference Interactions

• Our voices are needed on global stages; the world is hungry for authentic African student perspectives
• Ethics is not a Western thing—it is our shared responsibility
• Questions such as Who benefits? Who decides? What is left behind? are very important
• Collaboration is power; I met researchers from across continents and was inspired by their commitment

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Personal Impact and First-Time Travel Experience

As a first-time traveller and representative of my university, the experience was both humbling and empowering. Navigating international travel, engaging with diverse cultures, and confidently presenting myself on such a stage has strengthened my resolve to pursue academic excellence and contribute meaningfully to global discourse.

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Conclusion

Thank you for granting me the support and time. I am looking forward to applying the insights gained from this experience for my personal growth and the benefit of the University of Lagos.