I am a TB researcher with over 25 years experience in the field. The overall goal of my research is to advance our understanding of the host-pathogen interface in TB disease; disrupting this interface may ultimately lead to new TB interventions. My international training and experience has provided me with a broad range of research expertise, as well as access to an extensive multi-disciplinary collaborative network. My overarching goal is to contribute to health and wellbeing through research, and through capacity development at multiple levels. Since my return to South Africa in 2013, I have made significant contributions to both. In addition, I currently occupy several research leadership positions, at divisional, institutional and international level; my overarching motivation in these is to promote research excellence and inclusivity. I believe that both are necessary to obtain sustainable research funding and facilitate capacity development; these in turn will promote knowledge generation to advance health in South Africa and beyond.