The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) in collaboration with Roche Diagnostics is excited to announce a specialized two-day training programme on DNA Library Preparation focused on Genetics and Oncology.

We invite applications from ambitious postdoctoral scientists to undertake research in a flagship program focused on the impact of extreme weather events on the mental health of vulnerable populations in Africa. Ideal candidates should have a background in quantitative methods, which may include expertise in thematic analysis and software such as NVivo or ATLAS.ti. Experience with participatory research is preferred, and candidates should demonstrate strong skills in high-quality research and data analysis.

Apply now for the GHA-SciEX scientific exchange program, offering early-career researchers from Africa and Europe the chance to participate in short-term research visits focused on genomics and health. Don't miss this opportunity to boost your skills and foster international collaboration!

A new virus emerge from the Amazon Forest Basin and is spreading in Latin America text: Iani et al. medRXiV, 2024.08.02.24311415v2

The world’s most advanced genomics and bioinformatics training on virus evolution and molecular epidemiology (VEME) was hosted in Brasília in parnership with FioCruz, Brazilian Ministry of Health, PAHO & CERI

The second Global Pandemic Preparedness Summit (GPPS), held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 29 to 30, 2024, brought together leading experts and global leaders to confront the growing challenges posed by pandemics in an era of climate change.

This event, held at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on 21 August, was organized by the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) in collaboration with the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University. It drew an audience of over 150 high school learners, teachers, community leaders, and members of the public, offering an opportunity to explore the vital role of microbes—including bacteria, fungi, protists, and viruses—in relation to climate change.

First Time in Africa in Over 40 Years: from borgs, to climate change and African microbiome network, a historic event happens in South Africa: The 19th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology (ISME19).

As we graduated the first batch of MSc students and continue to support PhD AI students, our partnership with AIMS and Google Deep-Mind expands

The National Research Foundation (NRF) acknowledged the South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA) at Stellenbosch University as one of three finalists (out of 35 research centres) for the prestigious Societal Impact Award at a ceremony held on 22 August 2024 at Sun City Resort, North West Province.

the gem is a monthly magazine produced by CERI at Stellenbosch University, KRISP at UKZN and SACEMA. The objective is to provide stories of world class African science that impact lives and train the next generation of scientists in Africa.

Stellenbosch University's Professor Tulio de Oliveira has been featured on Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in Health list for his pioneering work in virus detection in Africa and beyond. Recognized in the Pioneers category, he celebrates the significant investment and impact of his research.

Prof. Thulani Makhalanyane, a microbiome researcher at Stellenbosch University, has been awarded the SASBMB Silver Medal for his national and international research excellence. Recognized for his active participation in the South African Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Prof. Makhalanyane advocates for equitable research partnerships in African microbiome studies.

The GenPath Africa Annual Meeting at Stellenbosch University gathered leading scientists to discuss advancements in pathogen genomics for disease surveillance and outbreak management. Key topics included genomic sequencing of pathogens, drug-resistant TB, and wastewater-based surveillance. The event emphasized collaboration, ethical standards, and the development of a 10-year Integrated Pathogen Genomics Strategic Plan for Mozambique.

Five students from AIMS, now at CERI, are leveraging AI to tackle global health challenges. Projects include studying arbovirus transmission, enhancing digital disease surveillance, predicting dengue incidence, assessing climate disaster impacts, and detecting SARS-CoV-2 variants. Their innovative work, supervised by experts, aims to advance public health and resilience.

A new framework in Nature Medicine advocates for more equitable microbiome research collaborations, emphasizing the need for African scientists to lead studies. This approach aims to enhance the role of African researchers and ensure fair partnerships with international collaborators.

Mauritian virologists Mr. Ubheeram Jaykissen and Mr. Lallmahamood Shad completed a two-week training at KRISP in Durban to advance HIV drug resistance testing. This collaboration aims to enhance the Mauritian government's ability to monitor and combat HIV/AIDS with cutting-edge methodologies.

From June 7-10, KRISP at the University of KwaZulu-Natal held a successful Illumina training workshop, bringing together researchers and students to learn about cutting-edge sequencing technology. The event, supported by DIPLOMICS and SEPARATIONS, featured hands-on training and comprehensive sessions, enhancing participants' practical skills and confidence in genomics.

Dr. Farirai Mutenherwa celebrates completing his PhD at the University of Kwazulu-Natal, emphasizing the importance of well-being alongside academic success. His research on ethical issues in HIV phylogenetic analysis highlights the need for privacy, informed consent, and ethical frameworks. He encourages PhD students to maintain a balanced lifestyle and a strong support system for success.

Since late 2021, extreme weather events in Southern and East Africa have triggered severe cholera outbreaks, resulting in over 6,000 deaths and nearly 350,000 cases. Countries like Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia face unprecedented surges as storms, floods, and drought exacerbate the crisis.

Inspiring South Africa's future scientists: The 2024 Gen S Campaign, led by SAMRC, Stellenbosch University, and CERI, offers high school students hands-on STEM experiences during Youth Month. This immersive program aims to address the country's critical skills shortage and ignite a passion for science in the next generation.

Last month, we announced 15 fellowships in genomics and bioinformatics, receiving over 2000 applications in just three weeks. This overwhelming response highlights a significant gap between the demand for training and available opportunities. We appreciate all applicants and emphasize the need for collaborative efforts to expand training programs in these critical fields.

We're committed to providing affordable genomics sequencing in Africa, with no profit motive. We aim to unleash genomics' potential, support scientific research, and foster biotech, vaccine, therapy, and diagnostics development in Africa.

The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), based at Stellenbosch University, and the KwaZulu Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform, based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, are offering 15 short-term fellowships for training in genomics and bioinformatics. The 2-week fellowship will cover travel, accommodation, meals, and ground transfers in South Africa.

CERI team is invited to present the impact of CLIMADE consortium at five main events in the USA in June-July 2024. These include keynote presentations at CREID, American Society of Virology, Wisconsin-Madison special lecture, EEID conference in Stanford University and invited visits and lectures at the BROAD and RAGON institutes of the MGH, MIT and Harvard.

A team of four members from CERI and CLIMADE program are in Stanford University to present multiple results at the 2024 Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases (EEID) Conference and to engage and develop collaboration with global colleagues on ecology, modelling and evolution of Infectious Diseases

Seven cases of “severe Mpox” have been confirmed in South Africa, and two of those diagnosed have since died. All cases involve men in their thirties living with co-morbidities – most notably HIV. Five of the seven identified as “men who have sex with men,” according to the South African Department of Health.

The Department of Health has urged the public to avoid physical contact with individuals who have contracted Mpox. South Africa has so far recorded a total of seven laboratory-confirmed cases and two deaths. Professor Tulio de Oliveira, Director of CERI: SU and Director of KRISP at UKZN unpacks the nature of the disease and preventative measures

Health minister has confirmed two deaths from the disease. Experts have stressed the importance of increased awareness about Mpox as they warned South Africa is likely to see more cases in what appears to be the worst outbreak of the disease to date.

Prof. Tulio De Oliveira talks to Stephen Grootes about the outbreak of Mpox in South Africa following the Health Department's concession regarding the outbreak and confirmation of one death.