Professor Helen Schneider is a Public Health Specialist and a Professor of Public Health at the University of the Western Cape’s School of Public Health, a position she has held since 2011. She is also the South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Health Systems Governance and has been the Director of the SAMRC Health Services to Systems Extramural Research Unit since 2015.

Her work focuses on Health Policy and Systems Research, an area critical to strengthening healthcare delivery and governance. Through her leadership and expertise, she has shaped health policy, both nationally and globally, helping to build more effective and equitable health systems.

Professor Schneider holds a Bachelor of Medicine (MBChB), a Master of Medicine ( Mmed), and a PhD, and is widely recognised as a specialist in Public Health. Beyond academia, she plays a key role in global health governance. Since 2018, she has been a member of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) of the World Health Organization’s Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, and in 2023, she was appointed Chair of the committee.

Her contributions have earned her several accolades, including the SAMRC Extramural Research Unit Award in 2015, the NRF/DSI SARChI Chair in Health Systems Governance in 2016, and the UWC Deputy Vice-Chancellor Special Recognition Award in Research and Innovation in 2021.

Professor Schneider was a staff member in SAMRCs HIV unit in the early 1990s, collaborating extensively with researchers in the SAMRC’s Health Systems Research Unit. In 2019, she chaired the Scientific Committee for the SAMRC/NDOH National Universal Health Coverage Dialogue, contributing to key discussions on universal health coverage in South Africa. Prof. Schneider has also played a catalytic role in convening the PhD program at the UWC School of Public Health, leading a small team that completely revised the functioning of this programme over the last eight years. The programme now enrols more than 50 students a year, and in 2022/3, produced a record number (n=18) of graduates, largely due to the changes implemented since 2016. She has institutionalised capacity support initiatives such as a PhD induction programme, a supervisors’ forum and annual writing retreats – all of which have strengthened the scientific rigour of the programme, and which have been deeply motivating to the students as well. Her mentorship has also extended to PhD supervisors, supporting and mentoring younger faculty members in their supervision of their own students.

After completing his postgraduate studies in Plant Sciences, Professor Alvaro Viljoen dedicated his academic career to the safety, efficacy, and quality of herbal medicines. He currently holds the DSI-NRF Chair in Phytomedicine and serves as the Unit Director of the SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit at Tshwane University of Technology.

Professor Viljoen and his postgraduate students harness cutting-edge technology to explore the ancient wisdom and indigenous knowledge surrounding medicinal plant use. Using state-of-the-art research technology, his team seeks to unravel the complex phytochemistry of indigenous plants and validate their traditional applications through an evidence-based ethnopharmacological approach, employing a range of in vitro and in vivo models. A key focus of his research is the standardization and quality assessment of herbal raw materials and commercial products, culminating in the publication of the first South African Herbal Pharmacopoeia, authored by Professor Viljoen and his collaborators. His work also addresses the safety of herbal medicines through toxicity studies and the documentation of potential herb-drug interactions, providing critical insights for industry, regulators, and consumers.

Professor Viljoen's contributions to medicinal plant research have been widely recognized. He was awarded the Silver Medal by the South African Association of Botanists for his exceptional advancements in South African medicinal plant research. The Academy of Science honoured him with the AU-TWAS-ROSSA Award for his contributions to the safe and effective use of herbal medicines. In 2021, the Indigenous Plant Use Forum presented him with its annual award for his role in research capacity development in herbal medicine, and in 2023, the International Society for Ethnopharmacology recognized his work with the prestigious Zandu Award.

Professor Viljoen has played a pivotal role in developing and transforming the research landscape at Tshwane University of Technology. A cornerstone of his commitment to research capacity development is his dedication to promote diversity and inclusivity. Through targeted mentorship, funding initiatives, and collaborative projects, he has actively supported the growth of researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds, with a strong emphasis on the advancement of women in science.

As the principal investigator on multiple research grants awarded by the SAMRC, Professor Viljoen has successfully established and managed the extramural SAMRC Unit at TUT for the past decade. He also maintains strong research collaborations with the Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform of the SAMRC in the fields of African traditional medicine and computational chemistry.

Beyond his own research, Professor Viljoen contributes to the development of the discipline by serving on the editorial boards of several scientific journals. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Professor Lindiwe Zungu, a distinguished Professor and Chief Research Specialist in Occupational Health and Safety at the University of South Africa (UNISA), has spent over two decades at the forefront of research, transforming the occupational health landscape within high-risk sectors like mining and construction. These industries, historically dominated by men, have long neglected the specific needs of vulnerable workers, particularly women. Through her groundbreaking work, Professor Zungu has been instrumental in driving transformation in these fields, focusing on creating safer, more inclusive environments that address the gender disparities often faced by female mine workers.

Professor Zungu’s expertise in health and safety hazard identification, injury prevention, and occupational health management has had a profound impact on the mining sector. With academic qualifications that include a Bachelor's degree, a BCur (Hons), a Masters in Occupational Health, and a PhD in Occupational Health, she has developed a strong foundation in healthcare and occupational health. She is also a Certified Occupational Health and Safety Specialist (COHSS) and her global reach further enhanced through her participation in Harvard Medical School’s prestigious Global Clinical Scholars Research Program.

Her extensive research, primarily focused on the mining industry, has led to substantial changes that address the historically male-dominated culture of this sector. Central to her work has been the need to advocate for and implement policies that cater specifically to the needs of women in these high-risk industries. One of her key achievements has been her leadership in the creation of an industry-wide code of practice for the provision of suitable personal protective clothing for women working in mining. This code ensures that the mining sector provides adequate protective gear tailored to women’s specific physical requirements, addressing a long-overlooked aspect of workplace safety.

Her research also catalyzed a significant sanitary revolution in the mining sector, where women’s access to hygienic facilities had been grossly neglected. Her work resulted in the introduction of demarcated, gender-sensitive ablution and change room facilities, ensuring that women working underground have access to private, hygienic spaces for personal care. These reforms have enhanced the dignity, health, and well-being of female workers, contributing to the creation of a more equitable and supportive working environment in a traditionally hostile workplace.

Beyond her individual research contributions, Professor Zungu’s influence has been extended through her mentorship and guidance of numerous postgraduate students at both Masters and Doctoral levels. Over the past two decades, she has supervised a significant number of students who have conducted research directly aimed at advancing knowledge in occupational health and safety. This research has specifically focused on improving the health, safety, and well-being of workers in highly hazardous workplaces like mining and construction. Through these postgraduate programs, Professor Zungu has played a pivotal role in building research capacity within the field, producing a new generation of scholars dedicated to improving working conditions and ensuring the safety of workers in dangerous industries.

Her contributions have earned her widespread recognition and multiple prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Women in Science Award, the TW Kambule Award for Research Excellence, Women in Science Leadership Award and the Feroza Adam Award for Advocacy of Women’s Rights. Her ongoing commitment to workplace health and safety, as well as gender equality, has been recognized through her active involvement in academia and professional leadership roles. These include serving as Editor-in-Chief of an accredited academic journal and as a member of the Public Health Association of South Africa. Additionally, she has received multiple research grants from institutions such as the National Research Foundation, the South African Medical Research Council, Minerals Council of South Africa and the Mine Health and Safety Council.

Professor Zungu’s longstanding relationship with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has further cemented her influence in the field. From receiving the SAMRC Career Development Award in 2008 to serving as a board member from 2016 to 2022, she has been a key figure in shaping the strategic direction and research priorities of the SAMRC, all while promoting the importance of occupational health research to ensure the safety of workers in hazardous environments.

Through her research, mentorship, and leadership, Professor Lindiwe Zungu has left an indelible mark on the mining and construction sectors, transforming them into more inclusive, equitable workplaces where women are empowered to thrive. Her work continues to inspire and shape the future of occupational health and safety, ensuring that workers, especially those in the most dangerous environments, receive the protection, support, and recognition they deserve.

Dr Cindy George is a Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council's Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit and a Research Fellow at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. With expertise in non-communicable diseases, she focusses on chronic kidney disease epidemiology, early detection, and prevention. She was a key figure in establishing and now manages the CKD in Africa Collaboration, the first consortium in Africa dedicated to CKD research.

Her remarkable career is enriched with numerous accolades, including being featured as a Woman of Impact in the 2024 Women in Science Publication, receiving the 2021 SAMRC Champion Women Award, and earning the prestigious Africa-Oxford Fellowship. Her research has been recognised on global platforms, with honours such as top abstract award at the 57th European Renal Association Congress, a Y2-rating from the National Research Foundation and opportunities to present her work on international platforms.

Dr George has also demonstrated a deep commitment to academic excellence, holding a PhD in Medical Physiology, along with several advanced degrees in Human Life Sciences from Stellenbosch University. Her journey with the SAMRC began in 2014 as a post-doctoral fellow, where she quickly made her mark. By 2016, she secured a permanent position, and over the past eight years, she has risen to the role of Specialist Scientist, exemplifying dedication and leadership.

Through her unwavering commitment to research, innovation, and mentorship, Dr George continues to advance the understanding and prevention of chronic kidney disease, with a focus on making a meaningful impact on public health in Africa.

Professor Andile Khathi has dedicated his career to understanding endocrine disorders, with a specific focus on prediabetes, a condition affecting millions globally.

Professor Khathi’s journey in academia began with a Bachelor of Medical Science in Human Physiology, followed by an Honours in Medical Sciences (cum laude). His dedication and brilliance led to his Master’s degree being upgraded to a PhD in Health Sciences in 2013, a testament to his exceptional research potential. By 2015, he had earned his PhD, solidifying his place among the brightest minds in the field.

Today, as an Associate Professor of Human Physiology, he continues to make waves in both research and education. His passion for mentorship and knowledge-sharing earned him the University of KwaZulu Natal’s (UKZN) College of Health Sciences Best Emerging Teacher award in 2018. His research excellence speaks for itself—he was named one of UKZN’s Top 10 Published Young Researchers in 2023, ranking second overall. In that same year, he was honoured with the ASTRA Research Excellence Award in Human Physiology. In 2022, his contributions were further recognised when he received the NRF Best Emerging Researcher in Natural Sciences Award.

He holds the South African Medical Research Council in the highest regard, recognising its vital role in advancing medical science in the country. And tonight, we honour him—not just for his accolades, but for his unwavering dedication to science, education, and the pursuit of knowledge that makes a difference.

Professor Rubeshan Perumal is an Associate Professor of Pulmonology and Critical Care at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Clinical Medicine. He is also the Head of the HIV/TB Treatment Research Programme at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and a Senior Scientist at the SAMRC-CAPRISA HIV/TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit.

His research focuses on the epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis. He is at the forefront of developing non-sputum-based diagnostic tools for TB, optimising pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic strategies for co-treatment of TB and HIV, and designing interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality in co-infected individuals. His contributions are paving the way for more effective and accessible treatments for some of the world’s most challenging infectious diseases.

Professor Perumal holds a Bachelor of Medicine ( MBChB), a Master of Medicine ( Mmed), a Master of Philosophy (MPhil), a Master in Public Health (MPH), and a PhD in Clinical Medicine. He is a Fellow of the College of Physicians of South Africa and holds a Subspecialist Certificate in Pulmonology. His extensive training and expertise place him among the most accomplished researchers in his field.

His exceptional contributions have earned him numerous accolades. In 2024, he was honoured with the University of KwaZulu-Natal Vice Chancellor’s Research Award and the Global Virus Network Action Award. His research has also been recognised internationally, with the 2023 American Thoracic Society International Travel Award. His past achievements include the Young Physician Leaders Programme Award (2019), the AstraZeneca Global Respiratory Leader: Young Investigator Award (2019), and the GlaxoSmithKline/South African Thoracic Society Research Fellowship (2019). His academic excellence was evident early on, receiving the University of KwaZulu-Natal Vice Chancellor’s Prestige Entrance Scholarship in 2005.

Professor Perumal’s career in HIV and TB research has been deeply supported by the South African Medical Research Council. Through mentorship, training opportunities, and financial support from the SAMRC HIV/TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit at CAPRISA, he has been able to drive impactful research.

Professor Andre Loxton is a Chief Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council, Deputy Director of the Centre for TB Research, and Professor of Immunology at Stellenbosch University. Professor Loxton has dedicated his career to advancing our understanding of tuberculosis and HIV immunology. His research explores the complexities of adaptive immunity, the role of B-cells in TB, and the immunogenicity of TB vaccines, paving the way for notable discoveries in the fight against infectious diseases.

Professor Loxton is an established NRF-rated researcher, leading critical multi-national TB studies funded through the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP). His leadership has also earned him competitive research grants, major equipment funding from the NRF, and the prestigious Stellenbosch University Rector’s Award.

Beyond research, Professor Loxton plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of scientific inquiry. As Deputy Chair of the SAMRC Health Research Ethics Committee, an editor for international journals, and an esteemed mentor to the next generation of scientists, his influence extends far beyond the laboratory.

Since joining the SAMRC in 2017, he has not only progressed to Chief Specialist Scientist but has also contributed significantly to key institutional committees, strengthening the SAMRC’s impact on health research and society at large.

With his laboratory, LoxtonLab, housed within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University, Professor Loxton continues to push the boundaries of immunological research, ensuring that South Africa remains at the forefront of global TB and HIV innovation.

Professor Clive Gray is a distinguished leader in the fields of cellular HIV immunology, reproductive immunology, and mucosal immunology. He is a Professor at the Division of Immunology at Stellenbosch University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Cape Town. As the Group Leader of the Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa, his work has been instrumental in understanding the impact of HIV and antiretroviral therapy on developing neonates, immune responses in newborns, and paediatric vaccine efficacy

Among his many accolades, he has received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence from Stellenbosch University, the prestigious Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship, and the Science Prize for Online Resources in Education from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. His impact has also been recognised internationally with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation International Leadership Award, a Fogarty Fellowship from Columbia University, and numerous other prestigious awards.

Professor Gray’s academic credentials are just as remarkable. Holding degrees from Wits University and the University of the West of England, he furthered his expertise through a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University. He has served as the President of the Federation of African Immunology Societies, he is a Visiting Professor at the University of Milan and an Adjunct Professor at Duke University in the United States.

His 25-year relationship with the South African Medical Research Council secured multiple research grants that have supported not his work only but that of upcoming scientists. Most recently, he was awarded a R10 million grant for research into the comorbidities of infectious and non-communicable diseases.

His lifelong dedication to scientific excellence, mentorship, and global collaboration has had an immeasurable impact on public health, shaping policies and improving healthcare outcomes worldwide.

Professor Sandrine Lecour is a distinguished academic at the University of Cape Town. As a Professor in the Department of Medicine and the Deputy Director of the Cape Heart Institute, Professor Lecour’s work is dedicated to advancing the understanding of heart disease and pioneering new therapeutic strategies.

Her journey began in France, where she trained as a Doctor in Pharmacy before earning her MSc in cardiovascular pathophysiology and a PhD in Cardiovascular Physiology. After a postdoctoral fellowship at the Hatter Institute in South Africa, Professor Lecour received the prestigious South African Medical Research Council Career Award in 2006, a turning point that allowed her to establish her independent research group on Cardioprotection at the University of Cape Town.

Her research led to the discovery of the Survivor Activating Factor Enhancement pathway, a key survival signalling cascade that is activated by the immune system to protect cardiac cells from ischemic injury. This discovery has had profound implications, showing how the body’s own defence mechanisms can be harnessed to protect not only the heart but also other organs like the brain, liver, and kidneys.

Professor Lecour’s current work focuses on how various cardiovascular risk factors—such as cancer, cancer drugs, HIV, and obesity—may compromise the activation of the SAFE pathway, offering new insights into personalised treatments for cardiovascular diseases.

A leader in her field, Professor Lecour founded and presided over the South African Society for Cardiovascular Research, and she remains an influential voice in the European Society of Cardiology. Her excellence in research is recognised globally, with honours including the Walter Zellidja Award from the French Academy, the Claude Leon Foundation Merit Award, and the University of Cape Town Fellows Award. She is also an NRF B-rated scientist and a Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology.

Her contributions have not only advanced scientific knowledge but have also opened new doors for future research and treatments.

Professor Shane Norris is an epidemiologist and Research Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he serves as Director of the South African Medical Research Council’s Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit. He also holds a professorship in Global Health at the University of Southampton, fostering impactful collaborations across continents to advance public health.

With over 26 years of experience in life course epidemiology, Professor Norris focuses on understanding intergenerational risks for non-communicable diseases. His expertise includes maternal and child health, nutrition, and body composition across the life course, along with expertise in longitudinal cohort and trial study methodologies.

Professor Norris has played a key role as Co-Principal Investigator of the now Birth to 40 cohort, Africa’s longest-running birth cohort study, ongoing for 35 years. His contributions are extensive, with over 650 publications and the mentorship of 30 postdoctoral fellows and supervision of 93 postgraduate students, including 66 PhDs.

Recognised for his exceptional contributions, he is a Fellow of the Academy of Science of South Africa, the African Academy of Science, and the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study. His accolades include the 2018 Nutrition Society of South Africa Award for his contributions to nutrition research and the Wits Vice-Chancellor’s Research Award in 2019. His leadership as the former Director of the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development highlights his dedication to improving health outcomes.

Professor Norris’s relationship with the South African Medical Research Council has been central to his research endeavours, as he leads the Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit at Wits. His work on interventions to enhance maternal and child health outcomes continues to make a profound impact on health research in South Africa and beyond.

Professor Karen Hofman, a medical graduate of The University of Witwatersrand, has dedicated over three decades to global public health. In 2009, she founded PRICELESS SA — Priority Cost-Effective Lessons for Systems Strengthening — based at the Wits School of Public Health In 2019, this innovative research-to-policy unit was awarded extramural status under her visionary leadership. and is now known as the SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science/PRICELESS.

Professor Hofman is a renowned expert in priority setting for health investments, child health, and the commercial determinants of health, with a focus on food and beverage policies. She is a leader in leveraging fiscal, legislative, and regulatory tools to improve population health and in using science for meaningful public engagement.

Her achievements are matched by a host of accolades, including the 2022 ASSAf Science-for-Society Gold Medal for her outstanding application of scientific thinking to societal challenges. In 2020, she was honoured with the University of Witwatersrand Vice Chancellor’s Social Impact Research Award for conducting high-quality research that drives policy and fosters social impact. Additionally, she received the PHILA Award in 2016 from the Public Health Association of South Africa for her excellence and commitment to public health.

A pioneer in her field, Professor Hofman is also board-certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Medical Genetics, underlining her breadth of expertise.

In 2018, Professor Hofman was one of six women scientists selected by the SAMRC to lead an Extra Mural Unit, chosen from a competitive pool of 90 applicants. Under her directorship, the SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science has thrived, earning a five-year renewal of its funding in 2023. Her dedication to bridging research and policy continues to transform health systems and improve lives.

Prof. Parry is no stranger to many of us, as he is a familiar face across television screens, radio broadcasts, newspapers, and social media. He has served as the Director of the Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use & Tobacco Research Unit—formerly the Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Research Unit—at the SAMRC from 2001 to 2024. Between 2012 and 2014, he also held the role of Acting Vice President (Intramural Research).

A highly respected Clinical and Research Psychologist, Prof. Parry is also an extraordinary professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Stellenbosch University. His research has had an immense influence on alcohol policy, leading to the publication of over 300 indexed journal articles and the co-authorship of three books on the subject.

Since 2006, Prof. Parry has been an active member of the WHO Expert Panel on Drug Dependence and Alcohol Problems. He has also served on the board of the Global Alcohol Policy Alliance, the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Alcohol & Drug Epidemiology, the Scientific Advisory Board to the UN World Drug Report, and the International Advisory Board for the Shaping Public Health Policies to Reduce Inequalities and Harm Consortium, SPECTRUM (since 2020).

His expertise has been widely recognised, including being named a Member of the Academy of Sciences of South Africa and a past recipient of the SAMRC Gold Medal for outstanding contributions to medical research.

Beyond academia and policy, Prof. Parry is a trusted voice in public health communication. He has conducted over 800 interviews across local and international media platforms, shaping public discourse around substance use and mental health.

Prof. Warren has served as the Unit Director of the SAMRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research and is a Distinguished Professor at Stellenbosch University (SU). He leads the Tuberculosis (TB) Genomics Research Group within the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

His work has led to over 400 published papers and 15 book chapters, contributing significantly to molecular epidemiology and landmark studies on TB resistance, mixed infections, and programmatic gaps in TB care. His whole genome sequencing research has helped transition diagnostics from culture-based methods to molecular techniques, influencing global TB control strategies.

Prof. Warren has played a pivotal role in WHO technical guides, global whole genome sequencing repositories, and the development of whole genome sequencing analysis pipelines now adopted by WHO. His culture bank, housing over 55,000 TB isolates, serves as a critical national and international resource. His extensive expertise in TB genotyping and culture has shaped TB diagnostics and drug resistance research worldwide.

His outstanding contributions have been recognised with numerous awards, including the SAMRC Gold Medal for Scientific Excellence (2015) and the Chancellor’s Award for Research (2018) at Stellenbosch University. He has also received the Rector’s Award on six occasions for the highest number of research outputs in a given year.

Adjunct Professor Matsoso is a visionary leader in public health, a pioneer in regulatory science, and a dedicated advocate for global health equity. Her career has been defined by a resolute commitment to strengthening health systems, shaping transformative policies, and ensuring access to essential medicines for all.

As Co-Chair of the World Health Organization’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Treaty, she plays a critical role in steering global discussions to protect future generations from health crises. Her leadership in the WHO Emergency Programme and the establishment of the African Medicines Agency have brought about fundamental changes in regulatory frameworks, particularly across the African continent.

Beyond her international contributions, Adjunct Professor Matsoso has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s health landscape. As Director-General of the National Department of Health, she was instrumental in the revitalisation of the SAMRC, championing initiatives such as the National Health Scholars Programme and the Health Data Advisory and Coordinating Committee. These efforts have significantly advanced health research, capacity building, and innovation within the country.

Her accolades, from the Pharmaceutical Society Award to multiple recognitions for excellence in public service, are testimonials of her influence in public health. But more than awards, her true legacy lies in the lives she has impacted, the policies she has shaped, and the future leaders she continues to inspire. Adjunct Professor Matsoso’s work embodies the highest ideals of scientific merit and public service, making her a truly deserving recipient of the SAMRC President’s Award.