Edward Thomsen
Senior Program Manager
GHS - Programs
Chancellor/EVC/FAS

13 years of experience as a vector biologist studying infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, leading and managing translational research, capacity strengthening, and knowledge translation programmes. A dedicated team builder, working across sectors to ensure evidence is used to guide decisions on vector control. Lived in Papua New Guinea for 4 years, becoming keenly aware of challenges in global health.

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Investigated the impact of bednets on vector-borne disease transmission, and led a clinical trial for improved treatment for lymphatic filariasis. Led capacity strengthening activities in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, aiming to build resilience and sustainability of effective, nationally-owned vector-borne disease control programmes. Has a firm understanding of the processes and partners involved in translating evidence into impact, recognizing the value in collaboration to achieve a high-level vision.

Education & Training

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• PhD Life Sciences University of Warwick 03/2019
• MSc Entomology University of California, Davis 09/2007
• BSc Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution University of California, San Diego 12/2003

Interests

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• Malaria
• Capacity Strengthening
• Medical Entomology
• Vector Surveillance
• Vector Control
• Vector Biology
• Neglected Tropical Diseases

Websites

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• LinkedIn (linkedin.com)

Publications (8)

Top publication keywords:
Mosquito NetsBiodiversityHealth Plan ImplementationMalariaInsecticide ResistanceSulfadoxineMosquito VectorsGames, ExperimentalGame TheoryHealth PlanningMosquito ControlAnophelesPyrimethamineInsecticidesLarva

• Elevating larval source management as a key strategy for controlling malaria and other vector-borne diseases in Africa.
  Parasites & vectors 2025 Okumu F, Moore SJ, Selvaraj P, Yafin AH, Juma EO, Shirima GG, Majambere S, Hardy A, Knols BGJ, Msugupakulya BJ, Finda M, Kahamba N, Thomsen E, Ahmed A, Zohdy S, Chaki P, DeChant P, Fornace K, Govella …
• Larviciding for malaria control and elimination in Africa.
  Malaria journal 2025 Newby G, Chaki P, Latham M, Marrenjo D, Ochomo E, Nimmo D, Thomsen E, Tatarsky A, Juma EO, Macdonald M
• Baseline characterization of entomological drivers of malaria transmission in Namibia: a targeted operational entomological surveillance strategy.
  Parasites & vectors 2023 Lukubwe O, Mwema T, Joseph R, Maliti D, Iitula I, Katokele S, Uusiku P, Walusimbi D, Ogoma SB, Gueye CS, Vajda E, Tatarsky A, Thomsen E, Tambo M, Mumbengegwi D, Lobo NF
• Species abundance, composition, and nocturnal activity of female Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) in malaria-endemic villages of Papua New Guinea: assessment with barrier screen sampling.
  Malaria journal 2019 Keven JB, Katusele M, Vinit R, Koimbu G, Vincent N, Thomsen EK, Karl S, Reimer LJ, Walker ED
• ResistanceSim: development and acceptability study of a serious game to improve understanding of insecticide resistance management in vector control programmes.
  Malaria journal 2018 Thomsen EK, Hemingway C, South A, Duda KA, Dormann C, Farmer R, Coleman M, Coleman M
• An Operational Framework for Insecticide Resistance Management Planning.
  Emerging infectious diseases 2016 Chanda E, Thomsen EK, Musapa M, Kamuliwo M, Brogdon WG, Norris DE, Masaninga F, Wirtz R, Sikaala CH, Muleba M, Craig A, Govere JM, Ranson H, Hemingway J, Seyoum A, Macdonald MB, Coleman M
• Malaria transmission dynamics surrounding the first nationwide long-lasting insecticidal net distribution in Papua New Guinea.
  Malaria journal 2016 Reimer LJ, Thomsen EK, Koimbu G, Keven JB, Mueller I, Siba PM, Kazura JW, Hetzel MW, Zimmerman PA
• A country on the verge of malaria elimination--the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  PloS one 2014 Coleman M, Al-Zahrani MH, Coleman M, Hemingway J, Omar A, Stanton MC, Thomsen EK, Alsheikh AA, Alhakeem RF, McCall PJ, Al Rabeeah AA, Memish ZA