CERI and QIAGEN are offering a fully funded two-day hands-on training on the QIAcuity Digital PCR system in Cape Town. The workshop focuses on digital PCR applications for pathogen detection and is open to professionals from five African countries.

Creating one of the most advanced biotech focused spaces on campus with a 300 m2 state of the art shared laboratory to incubate biotech companies. Launch forms part of the 10-year celebration of the LaunchLab, that has raised around ZAR 1 billion rands to create 35 commercial companies in Stellenbosch, of which 10 of them in the biotech space.

Stellenbosch University is opening LaunchLab CERI BIO on the 22 May 2025. LaunchLab CERI BIO is a biotechnology laboratory for startups. This facility is an extension of the services offered to entrepreneurs by SU’s business incubator, the LaunchLab. The laboratory has been specifically designed to provide entrepreneurs with the necessary equipment and incubation support to commercialise their biotech research.

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

For a few weeks, we’ve been hosting hands-on next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics training at CERI Stellenbosch University , supported by The World Bank and coordinated through the CLIMADE consortium and the African STARS Fellowship.

Prof de Villers will work with leading academics and executives at the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) to turbocharge the development of medical science and innovation in Africa.

Dr. Nonsikelelo Hlongwa and PhD student Keith Dube attended the Anvi’o Workshop and Early-Career Researcher Symposium in Germany, gaining advanced training in microbial ‘omics and engaging with the international microbial ecology community.

PhD students Nosipho Hlalukana and Mayibongwe Buthelezi conducted pioneering research in Antarctica, exploring how marine microbes influence climate change and seeking biotechnologically relevant compounds in the Southern Ocean.

Dr. Richard Lessells joined collaborators in Kampala, Uganda, for the unblinding of the HARVEST trial, a major South-South research initiative evaluating high-dose rifampicin for TB meningitis, culminating in the rapid drafting and submission of the study's main manuscript.

Dr. Jennifer Giandhari was honored with a Certificate of Recognition for her outstanding contributions to genomics at the inaugural Women Technology Innovation Programme by TIA, celebrating the role of women in driving innovation and inclusivity in STEM.

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

SACEMA has received the Societal Impact Award at the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Academic Innovation Awards for its impactful work in infectious disease modelling. The centre has played a pivotal role in shaping public health strategies and training epidemiological experts across Africa.

Join us and Christina Riley from Akros for a seminar on how genomics and geospatial data are revolutionizing disease surveillance and public health response strategies. The event takes place on 26 March 2025 at SU Tygerberg Campus and online.

Letter sent to all CERI and SACEMA employees and students on important updates regarding the financial landscape that impacts research groups, centers, universities, and NGOs across South Africa.

Dr. Houriiyah Tegally, Head of Data Science at CERI, is a leader in epidemic response, with over 70 publications, including 40 during her PhD. She specializes in integrating AI and climate data into infectious disease modeling, shaping global health strategies. Her work, from tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants to forecasting emerging epidemics, highlights the power of data-driven public health.

Nikita Sitharam, PhD candidate at Stellenbosch University and CERI, is advancing viral genomics research in Africa. She recently received the prestigious Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Postgraduate Scholarship, securing full funding for her PhD. Her work emphasizes the importance of mentorship and early preparation in securing research funding.

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

Africa’s DeepTech and HealthTech sectors are on the rise, but many promising startups struggle to access the right mentorship, investment, and strategic guidance to scale globally.

Dr. Houriiyah Tegally from the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University, has been awarded a significant grant by the Global Science Summit Programme of the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Are you a scientist working in virus evolution, bioinformatics, or genomic surveillance? Don’t miss your chance to apply for the Virus Evolution & Molecular Epidemiology (VEME) 2025 workshop, one of the world’s most advanced training programmes in genomics and bioinformatics.

Here, we present some of our recent videos and TV appearances highlighting the important aspect of science communication to the general public.

Top Genomics Labs partner with UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to strengthen surveillance of respiratory pathogens

The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) (Senegal) invite applications for the Advanced Translational Training (ATT) Fellowship under the African STARS Fellowship Programme.

The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) (Senegal) invite applications for the Young Professional Programme (YPP) Fellowship under the African STARS Fellowship Programme

CERI is participating in the 47th Cape Town Cycle Tour as part of the #Move4Maties campaign to support students at Stellenbosch University facing financial hardships. This initiative aims to raise funds and awareness to ensure that no student has to abandon their education due to financial constraints. Join us by donating, spreading the word, or supporting the ride to make education accessible for all.

VEME2025 will be organized in Dakar, Senegal, during August 4–8, 2025. The workshop comprises 6 full days of theoretical lectures, practical sessions and keynote presentations. VEME2025 will accept 150 participants in 4 modules.

On Wednesday, 26 February 2025 (12:00-13:00 SAST), the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University will host a scientific seminar on the Genital Inflammation Test (GIFT), a pioneering diagnostic tool for women's health. Led by Professor Jo-Ann Passmore (NHLS, UCT), the session will explore how GIFT improves the detection of sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis while addressing its role in HIV risk assessment. The event will be held at BMRI Room 3073, SU Tygerberg Campus, with an online streaming option.

A new paper in Nature demonstrates how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform infectious disease research and pandemic preparedness by enhancing predictive modeling, outbreak tracking, and healthcare responses. Co-authored by a global network of scientists, the study emphasizes AI’s potential to save lives by identifying high-risk areas, accelerating vaccine development, and improving pathogen analysis. Experts from CERI at Stellenbosch University played a key role in this research, contributing advanced AI methodologies to epidemiology and public health. While AI presents remarkable opportunities, the authors stress the need for transparency, collaboration, and safety measures to ensure responsible implementation.

Join the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University! We're seeking a postdoc to help bridge academic innovation and industry by developing commercialisation pathways for biotech startups. Key areas include genetic engineering, recombinant protein production, and entrepreneurship training.

Join the cutting-edge research team at the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), Stellenbosch University! We are offering three postdoctoral fellowships in pathogen phylodynamics, disease ecological modeling, and machine learning for infectious diseases. Collaborate with top scientists, analyze large-scale genomic datasets, and develop innovative solutions to tackle infectious diseases at the intersection of genomics, epidemiology, and data science. This competitive, tax-free fellowship is based in South Africa, with opportunities for international collaborations.