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As part of the 29th International Virus Evolution and Molecular Epidemiology (VEME) Workshop, where world-class bioinformaticians gather for a week of intensive training and collaboration, we are proud to bring you a free open keynote lecture.

Every outbreak leaves a data trail. The challenge is knowing how to read it.

As part of the 29th International Virus Evolution and Molecular Epidemiology (VEME) Workshop, one of the world's leading training programmes in bioinformatics and infectious disease, we are opening our doors to the public for a free evening lecture on data, AI and the future of outbreak science.

Whether you are a scientist, a student, a policymaker, or simply curious about how the world prepares for the next pandemic, this evening is for you. Refreshments will be served.

Speakers:

Prof. Houriiyah Tegally
Associate Professor in Bioinformatics and Head of Data Science, CERI, Stellenbosch University
Talk: Connecting the Dots: Data Science from Pathogen Emergence to Epidemic Spread

Houriiyah is a genomic epidemiologist whose work has shaped how Africa tracks and responds to viral outbreaks, including the identification of the Beta and Omicron variants. She will explore how integrated data science connects ecology, climate, genomics and human mobility to reveal how pathogens emerge, establish and spread, drawing on examples across arboviruses, haemorrhagic viruses and other emerging threats.

Prof. Moritz Kraemer
Professor of Epidemiology and Data Science, University of Oxford | Co-Founder, Global.health
Talk: Smart Surveillance: Digital Tools and AI for Early Warning and Outbreak Preparedness

Prof Kraemer is a leading researcher in the climatic and demographic drivers of infectious disease and the use of AI for outbreak response. His talk will examine the potential of AI and digital tools to improve disease prediction and surveillance, and the ethical and technological challenges of deploying these tools where data is scarce.

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Time: 17:00 – 18:30 (SAST)
Venue: Reitz Hall, Engineering Building A1001, Stellenbosch University
Format: Hybrid (in-person and online)

Register Now: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/87e0b4e2-e8b9-42e4-a439-37cdc2443dfd@a6fa3b03-0a3c-4258-8433-a120dffcd348?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog

For more information: ceri@sun.ac.za

News date: 2026-08-26

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