Bishop’s University to Host First Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship: Dr. Simplice Ayangma Bonoho

Dr. Ayangma Bonoho’s research will focus on Canada’s contribution to supporting the health development of francophone countries in Africa. His project « Le Canada et les politiques internationales de développement sanitaire en Afrique francophone » promises to correct the relative neglect of Africa in health history. It builds on his doctoral research at the University of Geneva (Switzerland) on the history of the World Health Organization. The project will be a valuable addition to the history of Canadian development aid, a main research focus of his supervisor, Dr. David Webster, Professor of History and Global Studies at Bishop’s University.

Of his project, Dr. Ayangma Bonoho affirms: “The proposed research will tap documents that have never before been examined from Library and Archives Canada. With its focus on francophone Africa, the proposed research has the potential to bridge the gulf that too often exists between Canadian historiography written in English and French.”

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program provides funding to the very best postdoctoral applicants, both nationally and internationally, who will positively contribute to the country’s economic, social, and research-based growth.  Social justice is one of the strengths of several of our research groups at Bishop’s University, as demonstrated by the research themes of several of our Interdisciplinary Teams.  Dr. Ayangma Bonoho’s demonstrated expertise in the analysis of the interplay between public health and social issues are validated and recognized through this prestigious fellowship and will consolidate Bishop’s reputation of research excellence in this field.

There is significant alignment between the emerging directions of the university and Dr. Ayangma Bonoho’s research program. Not only will he contribute to Bishop’s research priorities, we are convinced he will grow through the interdisciplinary collaborations with his colleagues at the university. We look forward to welcoming him to Bishop’s.