The international master in medical and veterinary entomology

Introduction The International Master in medical and veterinary Entomology (IME) is a teaching programme for 2nd year Master students on vector systematics, biology and ecology, population genetics, genomics and control. The IME’s objective is to prepare future researchers in areas of public health, veterinary, teaching and research.

Materials and Methods Candidates must have a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or equivalent. CVs and applications are evaluated by a scientific committee. The IME consists of three parts: 1) theoretical courses delivered by top-notch experts from each field in Ouidah, Benin; 2) laboratory and field-work practices in endemic regions of West Africa; 3) a 5-month research training at IME-collaborating laboratories mainly in Africa and Europe. A written report on the research training is presented at the end of the academic year.

Results Since its creation in 2007, the IME has welcomed 60 students from 21 nationalities and 3 continents (Africa, Europe, South America). 59 students have successfully earned their dual Master degree issued by the UAC-Benin and UM2-France. Only one student did not attain the expected level of quality. Accomplished students have pursued different research and public health interests: Up to 29 of them have enrolled in research-oriented PhD studies and the remaining work on national control programs or research institutions in vector control, predominantly in Africa and the Indian Ocean.

Conclusions Thanks to an international effort, the IME provides highly specialized training to an average of 16 students per year since 2007. Education is the key to progress. We provide an equal opportunity education on medical and veterinary research areas affecting all of us. Our gratitude to the IRD, French Cooperation, WHO, Institut Pasteur, CIRAD, Centre for scientific research and surveillance on emerging diseases in the Indian Ocean (CRVOI), USAID, MRTC, Vector Control Industry, ANR, TWAS, FP7-European Commission and many more.