ASSAf annually awards ASSAf Science-for-Society Gold Medals for outstanding achievement in scientific thinking to the benefit of society. This year the awards were presented to two eminent scientists and one of them being Prof Keertan Dheda, director of the Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance which is an SAMRC Extramural Research Unit.
Prof Dheda is the Chair and Head of the Division of Pulmonology at the University of Cape Town and the Respiratory Service at Groote Schuur Hospital, and the Director of the Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, a fully accredited research unit at the University of Cape Town and the UCT Lung Institute. He also co-holds a full Professor of Mycobacteriology and Global Health position at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Dheda is currently a South African National Research Foundation (NRF) ‘A1’ rated scientist (recognised global research leader). His main research interest is the study of lower respiratory tract infections including COVID-19 and tuberculosis. There are 2 focus areas: (i) the utility and impact of point-of-care diagnostics and (ii) determinants driving the amplification of the antimicrobial resistance. He firmly believes that combining cutting-edge research with clinical prowess gives him a good perspective of knowing what we ‘have’ versus what we need to ‘do’ in TB and respiratory infection-orientated research. He has published over 385 peer-reviewed papers in prestigious journals, and his work has been cited over 47 000 times, demonstrating his ability to disseminate extensive knowledge, inspiring and educating the next generation of researchers in text form.
Dheda also holds 8 patents related to new TB diagnostic, therapeutic or infection control technologies, one of which is currently being developed as a user-friendly test for extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. Again, this depicts exceptionally innovative strategic thinking, and the skill to harness scientific research into usable tools that will ultimately improve the lives of patients. 15 In previous recognition of Dheda’s research leadership, he has been invited to lead reviews and Research Commissions in The Lancet and Lancet Respiratory Medicine, and has contributed to several invited editorials, forums, and commentaries to high impact journals.
Dheda received an academic service commendation from the American Thoracic Society and has delivered Keynote Lectures at several international conferences including those of the American Thoracic Society, British Thoracic Society and the International Union Against TB and Lung Disease, amongst others. With TB prevailing as the most significant infectious disease killer known to humankind, and undetected individuals with TB overwhelmingly residing in areas associated with poverty and overcrowding, Dheda consistently directs his influence towards reducing TB burden in vulnerable communities, saving lives, alleviating suffering and improving social wellness.
This can be seen not only in his projects and outreach activities, but also in his determination to inspire students, mentoring and training the next generation of African clinician-scientists who will follow in his footsteps. Dheda has, through his FreeOfTB charity, clinical and implementational research work, directly benefitted marginalized communities in Africa, truly demonstrating his commitment to changing society with science.
Information and picture courtesy of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)