Page 83 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

P E R FOR M A NC E I N FOR M A T I ON

Postgraduate training is a key pillar of the Centre’s CTR research groups continue to foster inclusive
mandate. During 2025/2026, MSc and PhD students and ethically grounded research environments.
graduated across CTR programmes. The Host- The Vuyo Lab supervised and mentored MSc,
Pathogen Mycobactomics Group alone supported Honours, and PhD students, while the Loxton
PhD candidates, MSc candidates, and postdoctoral Group strengthened professional development
researchers, while a senior scientist secured an through grant-writing workshops, ethics training,
independent early-career fellowship with institutional and regulatory training related to import and
support. CTR also expanded bioinformatics training export permits. Gender equity remains a strategic
through leadership in infectious disease genomics priority, reflected in the Animal TB Group’s strong
and the introduction of a new MSc in Infectious representation of women across academic and
Disease Bioinformatics in 2026. trainee levels through targeted recruitment,
mentorship, and visible female leadership.
The Centre also contributes to skills development
and employment creation. The clinical research
group trained staff members without formal tertiary
qualifications in Good Clinical Practice, Basic Life
Support, handling of dangerous goods, and data
management, while CLIME employs more than 60
personnel. Community-focused initiatives, including
TB awareness campaigns, science communication
activities, and school outreach programmes in the
Northern Cape, further strengthened health literacy,
SAMRC President and CEO, Prof Ntobeko community trust, and sustainable skills transfer.
Ntusi’s visit to SAMRC CTR for discussions
on research involving development of lateral Collectively, these initiatives reinforce CTR’s
flow devices as tools to diagnose TB at commitment to inclusive excellence and long-term
point of care. With the CTR Unit Director, scientific capacity strengthening across Southern
Prof MJ Markalala and Prof Novel Chegou Africa.
and early career scientists.

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