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Cari van Schalkwyk, Senior Researcher at SACEMA, applies her expertise in epidemiological modeling to address high-priority infectious diseases, influencing public health policy at national and global levels. Her career reflects a commitment to mentorship, inclusion of women in science, and the translation of complex modeling insights into impactful health interventions.

Cari van Schalkwyk’s fascination with mathematics and health began during her studies in Actuarial Science and Mathematical Statistics at Stellenbosch University (BComm 2006, MComm 2009). “My introduction to epidemiological modelling started during my Master’s project, estimating incidence of recent HIV infection among pregnant women in Zimbabwe, when I joined SACEMA (South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling & Analysis) initially as a statistician in 2010,” explains Cari. Driven by this interdisciplinary path, she went on to earn a PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Cape Town, specialising in transmission dynamics of HIV and HPV.

As a Senior Researcher at SACEMA, Cari leads and contributes to high-impact modelling projects aimed at infections of national priority, including HIV, TB, human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, hepatitis, COVID 19. “My PhD work has modelled HIV–HPV interactions and assessed the effect of vaccination and screening strategies on cervical cancer incidence in South Africa,” says Cari – who holds leadership roles in global modelling initiatives, including serving as the director of the International Clinics on Infectious Disease Dynamics (ICI3D), and leading the Secretariat of the UNAIDS Reference Group on Estimates, Modelling and Projections. Through these efforts, her research informs public health policy, improves disease surveillance, and guides strategic interventions, both at the continental and global levels.

Within SACEMA and associated networks, Cari works in a culture of inclusion and mentorship, with a conscious inclusion of women during selection of post-graduate students and clinic participants. “SACEMA’s structure actively empowers women researchers across modelling and quantitative domains, offering a supportive environment that fosters growth, visibility, and leadership,” she explains.

Cari didn’t have a PhD graduation ceremony due to COVID – an occasion that would have celebrated finishing a thesis while working on a project with the WHO’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Modelling Consortium and providing analytic support to the South African COVID response (despite two small children interrupting all meetings). “But now I feel immense pride from each student’s graduation!” she says with a smile.

Offering advice to up and coming female scientists, Cari believes strongly in two principles:

• Follow your curiosity and let your strengths guide your path – whether you enjoy statistics, modelling, biology, coding, or epidemiology.
• Know that you belong in science. Cari’s own journey—from actuarial science to global HIV/HPV modelling and leadership in international forums—is proof that diverse skillsets and backgrounds are valued.

“I encourage aspiring scientists to seek peer and mentor support, ask questions, practice interdisciplinary collaboration, and embrace complexity,” says Cari – adding that the modelling ecosystem at SACEMA and programmes like ICI3D offer concrete pathways for growth and leadership.

Cari’s trajectory embodies a forward-thinking approach to science in service of public health. SACEMA’s supportive network and visible pathways for women researchers have enabled her leadership. “My proudest contributions connect modelling insights directly to health policy outcomes,” says Cari.

News date: 2025-08-08

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