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CERI celebrates WomenÂ’s Day 2025 by highlighting the impactful work of female scientists and professionals leading projects in bioinformatics, grants management, epidemiological modeling, transdisciplinary research, and microbiome studies. Their expertise drives advancements in public health, pathogen research, and scientific innovation across Africa and beyond.

At the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), many of the projects and breakthroughs taking place are being led and supported by dedicated female scientists and researchers. Aligning with Women's Day 2025, we are celebrating a few of these inspiring women to learn more about their roles, what brought them into science, and how they see their work making a difference — both within CERI and beyond. Look out for these special ladies on our platforms tomorrow!

Dr Emilyn Costa Conceição, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The Bioinformatics Team

The Bioinformatics Team supports the analysis and interpretation of complex genomic data. They develop pipelines, manage large datasets, and generate insights that guide research on pathogen evolution, outbreak tracking, and public health decision-making.

Gugu Mkhize, Grants Manager, The Grants and Contracts Team

The Grants and Contracts team manages funding agreements, research contracts, and procurement processes to ensure compliance, accountability, and smooth operational support for our projects and partnerships.

Dr Marije Hofstra, Postdoctoral Fellow, The Bioinformatics Team

The Bioinformatics Team supports the analysis and interpretation of complex genomic data. They develop pipelines, manage large datasets, and generate insights that guide research on pathogen evolution, outbreak tracking, and public health decision-making.

Cari van Schalkwyk, Senior Researcher, The SACEMA Team

The SACEMA (South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis) team focuses on using mathematical and statistical models to understand and address public health challenges, particularly in South Africa and Africa. They apply this expertise to diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and emerging infections, as well as non-communicable diseases.

Dr Yuri Munsamy, Science Officer, The SACEMA Team

The SACEMA (South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis) team focuses on using mathematical and statistical models to understand and address public health challenges, particularly in South Africa and Africa. They apply this expertise to diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and emerging infections, as well as non-communicable diseases.

Dr Chanelle Mulopo, Postdoctoral Fellow, The WEMA Team

The WEMA team aims to catalyse, produce, and externally fund impactful research. The teamÂ’s research development program focuses on promoting trans-disciplinary research and impact.

Dr Nonsikelelo Precious Hlongwa, Postdoctoral Associate, The African Microbiome Group

The African Microbiome Group focuses on exploring the role of microbes in African ecosystems. The group works to highlight the importance of the microbiome (the community of microbes living in and around us) and its relevance to health, agriculture, and conservation on the African continent. The AMG is based in the microbiology department of SU and collaborates closely with the CERI team.

Author: Katrine Anker-Nilssen

News date: 2025-08-08

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