Boluwatife Ayobami Irewolede is a dedicated Nigerian research scientist with extensive expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics, and infectious diseases. He holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Pure and Applied Biology (Microbiology) from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, where he built a strong foundation in microbiology and related disciplines. Since beginning his professional journey in 2016, Irewolede has amassed over seven years of hands-on experience in the biomedical and life sciences sector.
Prior to joining Helix Biogen Institute as a Research Assistant, Irewolede worked as a research intern at the National Food and Drugs Administrative and Control (NAFDAC). During his tenure at NAFDAC, he collaborated closely with supervisors to conduct rigorous laboratory analyses on drugs, vaccines, biologicals, and medical test kits, ensuring their compliance with safety standards approved by regulatory authorities. Driven by an intrinsic desire to enhance healthcare delivery, he actively participated in groundbreaking research, including the development of a candidate COVID-19 vaccine, where he played a crucial role in laboratory studies and scientific reporting.
At Helix Biogen Institute, Irewolede has been instrumental in advancing genomic and bioinformatics research. His responsibilities include managing, analyzing, and interpreting complex genomic data generated from various studies, and he has significantly contributed to projects that focus on innovative approaches in molecular biology and infectious disease research. Notably, he co-authored research on the in-silico prediction of T-cell epitopes in VacA—a pioneering effort aimed at designing a vaccine against Helicobacter pylori—and participated in the bioinformatics design and molecular modeling of a universal vaccine targeting different variants of SARS-CoV-2. These endeavors underscore his commitment to addressing global health challenges through innovative scientific strategies.
Beyond his laboratory work, Boluwatife Ayobami Irewolede has actively engaged with the broader scientific community by attending and presenting at numerous national and international conferences, workshops, and symposiums. His participation at the One-Health Symposium organized by the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), now the Institute of Genomics and Global Health, at Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State has allowed him to network with leading experts, exchange ideas, and stay abreast of emerging trends in his field. These experiences have not only enriched his professional perspective but also enhanced his ability to coordinate academic programs and contribute to genomics education initiatives.
In addition to his primary research roles, Boluwatife Ayobami Irewolede has coordinated laboratory activities and academic programs, including workshops and symposiums, thereby enhancing the training and education of upcoming scientists. His experience extends to roles as a System Administrator and Teaching Assistant in bioinformatics training programs under H3BioNet, where he supported initiatives such as the African Genomic Medicine Training (AGMT) and Introduction to Bioinformatics (IBT) programs. Through these roles, he provided vital technical support, managed classroom environments, and acted as a liaison for program participants, further solidifying his expertise in genomics education.
Boluwatife Ayobami Irewolede work has been widely recognized and cited by peers in the scientific community, reflecting the significant impact of his research contributions. His ongoing efforts continue to play a vital role in advancing our understanding of molecular biology and infectious diseases, and his commitment to scientific excellence positions him as an influential figure in his field. He is currently a Masters student of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.