Zoe Ejiofor
Thesis title: How can technology transfer increase access to vaccines in African countries so that they are better equipped to address epidemics and pandemics?
Background
I am a research‑ and analysis‑focused individual with cross‑sector experience and a strong record of bringing structure, clarity, and critical problem‑solving to complex environments. My PhD thesis examines how international patent law can be leveraged to increase access to vaccines in African countries, and how this in turn strengthens global public health security.
My research is grounded in rigorous inquiry, careful reasoning, and a commitment to synthesising insights from diverse sources—including academia, policy frameworks, and global health. Through this work, I will provide a clear and realistic account of how legal mechanisms can be used to expand access to vaccines and strengthen global public health security.
CV
159339.pdf
Qualifications
Master of Laws (LLM), University of Manchester (2022)
Bachelor of Laws, with Honours (LLB), University of Manchester (2021)
Research summary
My research interests include: access to vaccines, international patent law, global public health security, self-sufficiency, political realism, and geopolitics.
Conference details
In 2025, I participated in the 20th edition of the European Policy for Intellectual Property Association (EPIP) conference, in which I contributed to discussions on international patent law and access to vaccines in African countries. In line with this, I delivered a presentation on what role voluntary licensing mechanisms can play in increasing access to vaccines in African countries. In addition to my presentation, I was accepted to attend EPIP's PhD workshop; through which I received useful feedback from leading academics in my field, as well as fellow PhD students.
EPIP was a fantastic experience; I am eager to attend future conferences that relate to, but not limited to, international patent law, access to health technologies, and political realism.
Invited speaker
Professor Caroline Ncube, University of Cape Town
Professor Bhaven N. Sampat, Johns Hopkins University
Judge Peter Blok, Unified Patent Court
Organiser
European Policy for Intellectual Property Association
Papers delivered
Patents v lack of domestic manufacturing capacity: Which is the larger barrier to African countries addressing public health emergencies?