Cameroonian scientist Adamou Velhima: “Genomics is the future – without it, we will not defeat tuberculosis.”
Researcher Adamou Velhima came to Europe from Cameroon to pursue his PhD studies. He works at the Institute of Pharmacology at the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, where he collaborates with Dr. Matúš Dohál on tuberculosis research and whole-genome sequencing of samples he brought directly from Africa. In Cameroon, tuberculosis represents a major public health problem, yet molecular analyses have not been thoroughly explored there. In this interview, he explains what led him to science, the challenges he has faced in Slovakia, and why he considers genomics to be the science of the future.
What led you to a scientific career?
As a young man, I was fascinated by books about Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch—stories of discoveries that fundamentally changed medicine. I first became a physician, but later decided to pursue a scientific career instead.
Why did you choose microbiology, biotechnology, and especially research into bacterial pathogens?
At university, where I studied biomedical sciences, I had to decide whether to choose biochemistry or bacteriology and virology at the master’s level. Since biochemistry is largely based on mathematics, which I am not particularly strong in, I chose the latter. Alongside this, I also studied molecular biology. Although this field is highly developed worldwide, in Cameroon it still does not reach the required level, and much remains unexplored. That is why I decided to focus on tuberculosis in connection with molecular biology.
How did you learn about the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University, and why did you choose it?
Like many PhD students, I aimed to conduct part of my research outside Cameroon. One reason is the insufficient laboratory equipment at home. Since I had been working on tuberculosis research for a long time, I knew that the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine at Comenius University deals with this topic in detail. I contacted the Institute of Pharmacology, and I was fortunate—we had been communicating since 2023. After completing all formalities, I received a scholarship through the SAIA agency and was able to travel to Martin.
What were your first impressions of the faculty?
My first impressions were excellent. This is my very first stay in Europe. Your laboratories are enormous—compared to those in Cameroon, they are not even comparable. Your biomedical centre feels to me like one of the largest in the world.
Your PhD research focuses on molecular typing of Mycobacterium bovis and drug resistance in tuberculosis. Why is this topic important?
I chose tuberculosis because it remains one of the most dangerous diseases. Even in 2025, it is the deadliest infectious disease in the world. In Cameroon, we have far more cases and deaths than in Europe. In addition, bovine tuberculosis is a major problem, as it can be transmitted to humans—this is a so-called zoonotic infection.
Most studies conducted in our country so far have been epidemiological—they only counted patients or infected cattle, but did not examine transmission mechanisms. I am interested in the molecular level, which is why I brought samples here to precisely analyse how the disease spreads between humans and animals.
What exactly will you work on during your stay at the Institute of Pharmacology?
We will be working on whole-genome sequencing—one of the most advanced techniques in tuberculosis research. It allows us to obtain complete DNA information from the bacterial samples I brought from Cameroon. I call it my small biobank. In addition, my colleagues are teaching me other methods used worldwide so that I can apply them at home if we manage to obtain the necessary equipment.
How do you see the future of genomics and biotechnology in addressing infectious diseases?
Genomics, in my view, is the future. A disease such as tuberculosis cannot be eradicated without whole-genome sequencing and the data it provides. We need to understand exactly how transmission occurs, what bacterial resistance looks like, and which treatment should be chosen. However, its use is much broader—genomics will also be important in many other areas of biology and medicine.
You have worked in hospitals and laboratories across Cameroon. What is the biggest difference compared to Slovakia?
The biggest difference is in laboratory equipment. Diagnostic tools based on molecular biology, which are available here, are not available in Cameroon.
What can international collaboration bring to young researchers?
For me, the greatest benefit is the collaboration I have established here. Together with Matúš Dohál, we plan future joint projects to help eradicate tuberculosis in Cameroon. I have learned many molecular techniques here that very few people in my country know. I would like to pass this knowledge on to young scientific talents at home.
What are your impressions of Martin and Slovakia?
People are very respectful, which I appreciate. However, I have difficulties with communication, as many people do not speak English. I thought at least a basic level of English would be common, but in shops or pharmacies people often do not understand me.
I currently live in a dormitory in Vrútky with Slovaks only, and I feel very comfortable there. Paradoxically, when I spent two weeks in Žilina in a dormitory full of foreigners, it was not as good. I actually prefer living with Slovaks.
What has surprised or interested you the most so far?
The first thing was the weather. I came from Cameroon, where temperatures are around 35°C and even 45°C. Here I arrived in very cold weather, and the first days were very difficult for me.
Another issue, as I mentioned, was communication— the further I went from Bratislava, the harder it was to communicate in English. I even once travelled further by train than intended because no one understood me.
Finding accommodation was also difficult—several times, when I said over the phone that I was from Cameroon and needed accommodation for only three months, the call was simply ended.
And honestly, I was shocked that I do not see any Africans here. I have not met a single one in Martin. I was looking for a Cameroonian community, but it seems there is none here.
What do you miss most in Slovakia?
Definitely food. And also friends to play football with.
Is there anything you would like to experience during your stay in Slovakia?
I would definitely like to experience real winter—snow and skiing. We are planning a trip to the High Tatras, so I hope that will come true.
Zuzana Marčeková