Pierre Damien Turikumana | Mental Health | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Young Scientists Awards

Mr. Pierre Damien Turikumana | Mental Health | Best Researcher Award

University of Rwanda, Rwanda

Mr. Turikumana Pierre Damien, born on January 1, 1991, is a dedicated Rwandan occupational therapist, educator, and researcher based in Kigali. Currently serving as Acting Head of the Occupational Therapy Department at the University of Rwanda, he also contributes as an Assistant Lecturer. With a strong clinical and academic foundation, he has worked at CARAES Ndera Neuropsychiatric Hospital and engaged in diverse mental health and rehabilitation initiatives. Passionate about advancing inclusive care and digital health, Turikumana has authored impactful publications, led community-based interventions, and represented Rwanda in international academic platforms.

Profile

🎓 Education

Mr. Turikumana holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy (2021) from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, and a Bachelor’s with Honours in Occupational Therapy (2018) from the University of Rwanda. His academic training blends strong theoretical knowledge with practical clinical application in occupational rehabilitation, mental health, and community development. He also acquired certifications in clinical research, telerehabilitation, additive manufacturing in assistive tech, and teaching methodology from global institutions including Makerere University and Stellenbosch University—preparing him for multidisciplinary academic leadership and research.

💼 Experience

Turikumana currently serves as Acting Head and Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Rwanda (2019–present). He previously worked as a full-time Occupational Therapist at CARAES Ndera Neuropsychiatric Hospital (2018–2019). His professional experience includes teaching, research supervision, clinical placement coordination, community outreach, and department leadership. He has also served as Chairperson of RWOTA and as a board member of RAHPC. International engagements in Belgium and the USA, along with ongoing collaborations, emphasize his global perspective in advancing occupational therapy in low-resource settings.

🏅 Awards & Honors

Turikumana has received several prestigious training opportunities and certificates, including a teaching and learning course from Makerere University (2024), telerehabilitation ethics training (2021), and 3D printing in assistive tech (2023). He has traveled to the USA and Belgium for academic exchange and knowledge-sharing. As Chairperson of RWOTA and board member of RAHPC, he holds national leadership roles. His selection as a WFOT video reviewer and his participation in multiple international conferences further reflect his growing influence in the occupational therapy and rehabilitation landscape.

🔬 Research Focus

Turikumana’s research focuses on rehabilitation, mental health, community-based therapy, and digital health in low-resource contexts. His published studies explore schizophrenia, occupational therapy development in Rwanda, e-therapy, and CPD needs. Ongoing projects investigate the Igisoro game in therapy, OT student experiences, lecturer burnout, and WFOT international narratives. He is also contributing to several book chapters addressing inclusive rehabilitation, psychiatric care in Africa, and telehealth interventions. His work aims to integrate evidence-based, culturally appropriate rehabilitation practices to promote equity in health outcomes and community integration.

 Conclusion

Mr. Turikumana Pierre Damien is a highly suitable and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to research, leadership in professional and academic platforms, and contributions to improving occupational therapy in Rwanda reflect excellence in his field. With continued academic progression and broader research engagement, his potential for greater impact is substantial. He exemplifies the qualities of a committed researcher, educator, and leader, making him a strong nominee for this prestigious recognition.

Publication

1. Personal barriers to participation in chosen instrumental activities of daily living among community-dwelling persons with schizophrenia in Rwanda

2. Impact of specific e‑therapy application in advancing occupational therapy intervention in a low‑resourced country: A case study of Rwanda

  • Year: 2023

  • Authors: O. Yusuph Abiodun, E. Murebwayire, T. Pierre Damien, H. Celestin, …

  • Link: World Federation of Occupational Therapists Bulletin 79(1), 72‑79 (2023) — available via institutional access or publisher’s website scirp.org+4independent.academia.edu+4scholar.google.com+4

3. Using the Igisoro Game in Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation in Rwanda: An Exploratory Study

4. The use of Igisoro game in Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation in Rwanda: A mixed method design

5. Continuing Professional Development Preferences of Occupational Therapy Providers in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania

  • Year: 2024

  • Authors: A. M. Cecil, G. S. Kimathy, M. N. Koech, E. Murebwayire, P. D. Turikumana

  • Link: The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy 12(4), 1–13 (2024) — available via journal website

6. Stakeholders Contribution in the Development of Occupational Therapy Profession and Impact of the Profession in Rwanda

  • Year: 2022

  • Authors: O. Y. Abiodun, E. Murebwayire, T. Pierre Damien, H. Celestin, J. Nshimiyimana, …

  • Link: Open Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation 10(4), 133–157 (2022) sciety.org+6scirp.org+6scholar.google.com+6

7. Social barriers affecting participation in chosen instrumental activities of daily living among community-dwelling persons with schizophrenia in Rwanda

8. Barriers affecting participation in chosen Instrumental Activities of Daily Living among community-dwelling persons with Schizophrenia in Rwanda

  • Year: 2021

  • Authors: P. D. Turikumana, L. G. Cloete, F. Jerome Peter

  • Link: Master’s thesis, Stellenbosch University (2021) — PDF available via academia.edu rwota.org.rw+1emerald.com+1