DEPARTMENT OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
This is the news blog for the Division of Molecular Biology & Human Genetics and the Division of Immunology
Written by Brian Munansangu The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) recently promoted Prof. Andre G. Loxton as its new Chief Specialist Scientist. This new role expands Prof Loxton’s responsibilities beyond his current position as Deputy Director of the SAMRC’s Centre for Tuberculosis Research (CTR) housed within the Department of…
Written by Welile Dube The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) awarded Associate Professor Nelita du Plessis, Head of the Innate Immunity Lab and Senior Researcher of the SU Immunology Research Group (IRG) within the Division of Immunology, a Bronze Medal at the SAMRC 10th Annual Scientific Merit Awards. The…
The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the FirstRand Foundation (FRF) have awarded Dr Tracey Jooste, an Early Career Researcher of the SU Immunology Research Group (IRG) within the Division of Immunology, a career development grant through the Black Academic Advancement Programme (BAAP) Dr Jooste is one of 30 Black South…
Written by Alyce Kapisa What does 40-degree weather, the world’s smallest international airport and slow drivers have in common? They can all be found in South Africa’s ‘Groen Kalahari’ also known as Upington, in our beautiful Northern Cape province. Other than all that, Upington also happens to boast some potential…
The Crick Africa Network (CAN) has awarded Dr Tracey Jooste, an Early Career Researcher of the SU Immunology Research Group (IRG) within the Division of Immunology, a prestigious fellowship through the African Career Acceleration Fellowship. Dr Jooste is one of 8 leading African researchers to be awarded the new CAN…
A diverse group of researchers, public health officials and TB survivors worked together to create a consensus TB Dictionary In the ongoing fight against tuberculosis (TB), a newly launched Global TB Dictionary aims to provide a common language for researchers, policy makers, funders and affected communities. Developed through a systematic…
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious but curable disease that is caused by a form of bacteria that attacks and damages the lungs. It can be easily passed to others through coughing or sneezing. Symptoms may include coughing, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. World TB Day, which is…
VALIDATE is excited to announce that we have been awarded a new UK Medical Research Council (MRC) grant, to enable us to continue our network activities until 2027! The £2.4million grant, via MRC’s ISPF (International Science Partnership Fund) and Partnership Grant funding streams, will enable VALIDATE to continue to provide…
Written by Leka Mhlophe Children and scientists are more similar than one might think. There are many questions at the core of what both children and scientists are. For example, when a child asks “why?” several times for several hours, believe it or not, that is exactly what a scientist…
Written by Leka Mhlophe Look at that! Another year has passed and here comes the Eskom Expo once again! In my short time at the MBHG, I have realised that an integral part of what we do is connecting with the community. This makes sense because as biomedical scientists, the…