Nigerian Researcher Deborah Agbakwuru Wins Prestigious US Scholarship

Deborah Agbakwuru Wins Prestigious US Scholarship

Renowned Nigerian scientist Deborah Agbakwuru has been awarded the highly coveted Besancon Scholarship at the University of Montana, a recognition reserved for exceptional graduate researchers in the biological, physical, and mathematical sciences.

The Besancon Scholarship, one of the university’s most distinguished graduate honors, is awarded annually through a rigorous nomination and selection process. Departments put forward their top candidates, who then undergo an intensive review by a selection committee. This year, Agbakwuru stood out among a competitive pool of nominees for her groundbreaking research and significant contributions to science.

Her outstanding academic record includes numerous peer-reviewed publications, impactful presentations at international conferences, and leadership in both research and science communication. These achievements earned her recognition as a clear choice for the 2025 award.

Agbakwuru, a leading researcher at the Centre for Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Montana, received the scholarship for her pioneering work on T cell receptor interaction strength and its role in immune cell communication via trogocytosis. This breakthrough holds major implications for cancer treatment strategies and the management of autoimmune diseases.

Speaking on the award, Agbakwuru expressed her gratitude:

“Winning this award is both an honour and a responsibility. It strengthens my commitment to immunology research, particularly in areas that can improve cancer treatment outcomes.”

This accolade adds to her growing list of achievements. Earlier in 2025, she received the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Laboratory Travel Grant and the University of Montana Experiential Learning Scholarship Fund. Her work was also showcased at the AAI 2025 Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she earned the rare distinction of being selected for both poster and podium presentations.

A licensed pharmacist from Nigeria, Agbakwuru earned her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Ibadan. She is the first author of the acclaimed book chapter The Biological Significance of Trogocytosis, which has been widely cited for its contribution to understanding intercellular communication in the immune system.

By winning the Besancon Scholarship, Deborah Agbakwuru joins a distinguished network of scholars known for excellence in research, teaching, and service. Her ongoing work continues to shape the future of immunology research both at the University of Montana and on the global stage.