The story of Dr Wyvine Bapolisi: a Congolese medical doctor overcoming challenges to continue her profession across borders

Resilience and Discovery

 A Congolese journey to Recognition in excellent academies around the World is rarely a straight line. For Dr Wyvine Bapolisi, a young woman born in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a conflict-affected area, it was a path carved out of relentless curiosity, an unyielding spirit, and a profound desire to bridge the gap between global health advancements and the realities of her home country.

Growing up in the DRC, Wyvine was captivated by the resilience of the people around her and the complexities of the diseases that burdened her community.  She noticed how structural barriers such as limited resources, outdated equipment, and lack of institutional support stifled potential. Despite efforts and community compliance, the out-of-pocket when seeking care at health facilities played a detrimental role in accessing timely quality. Therefore, a more holistic approach that addresses diseases before they occur by promoting preventive and promotional health measures was necessary.

Bridging Worlds

Motivated by this goal, she simultaneously managed her clinical work, pursued a PhD at the University of Basel with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and contributed to research evaluating community programs. Combining these activities was not a piece of cake. Beyond the academic rigors, she faced the silent, often invisible barriers that still hinder women in developing countries in STEM. Yet, these challenges only solidify her resolve, including addressing specific gender issues related to health or education.

Her doctoral thesis, which focused on the evaluation of the impact of a gender-transformative approach, combining male engagement towards gender equity and women’s economic empowerment, on socio-economic and maternal and child health outcomes, gained international recognition through numerous publications and presentations at conferences. She not only studied science, but also the often-overlooked social health factors, including women's participation in decision-making and tolerance to gender based-violence against women.

Engagement and National and International recognition

Dr Bapolisi’s success did not stop at her degree. Recognizing that her journey was an exception rather than the rule, she pivoted into a role as an engaged scientist. She was elected to the DRC Youth Academy of Science, where she co-leads the commission related to short-term projects. She was also elected as a The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) young Affiliate in 2024. Both these elections highlight her contributions to science and community. The recognition as the TWAS Young Affiliate Network is both an honour and a responsibility. 

Today, Dr Bapolisi lives far from her home country, and despite many challenges, she is contributing to international research collaborations between the Catholic University of Bukavu in the DRC and other renowned institutions worldwide, teaching activities, mentoring young researchers, and fieldwork when security allows. In addition, she is very motivated to enhance the participation of women from the Developing World in Science and actively participate in diverse women scientists communities. She is a testament to the fact that talent is distributed equally, but opportunity is not (yet). Her story is not just about earning a title or awards; it is about the courage to dismantle the systemic obstacles that prevent other researchers from the Developing world, including women, from embracing excellence in science. She would like to ensure that the next girl from Bukavu or the DRC who dreams of changing the world has support and a community waiting for her.

Dr Bapolisi joined the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) as she received a grant as researcher under the WISDOM project exploring how women sustain science in times of crisis.