South African HDI fellows join ICGEB Cape Town

ICGEB Cape Town is delighted to welcome students and researchers from various institutions in South Africa participating in the ICGEB Special Programme with HDIs.

The ICGEB Special Programme with South African Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs), in partnership with the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) focuses on capacity development and building synergies with HDIs.

This year, the Programme has awarded nine short-term Fellowships to highly motivated scientists from HDIs in life sciences, human healthcare, and industrial/agricultural biotechnology.

Five HDI fellows are joining the Italian and Indian Components of the ICGEB.

In Cape Town, we welcome Tlou Dorcas Mokobane, Vicks Sphelele Mbhele and Rudzani Makhado, presenting their testimonials below:

Tlou Dorcas Mokobane is a PhD student in Medical Virology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.

Hosted in the Virology - Emerging Viruses Group with Dr Georgia Schafer, Tlou's PhD research focuses on investigating SARS-CoV-2 in the central nervous system (CNS). She explains that detecting and sequencing SARS-CoV-2 in the CNS is crucial in understanding and diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 beyond the respiratory system and the effects of long COVID. Her research looks at infections in the CNS which have a significant impact on both short and long-term neurological function, as well as overall health, causing a wide range of neurological symptoms and complications, leading to significant morbidity, mortality, and long-term impairment. Tlou's ultimate aim of investigating these infections is to improve diagnosis, management, prevention, and control strategies in order to reduce the impact of CNS infections and improve patient outcomes.

"ICGEB is a great platform for students and researchers. I am grateful for this life-changing opportunity as it will provide me with the necessary knowledge, support and expertise that will help with my professional and scientific growth." Tlou Dorcas Mokobane

From the University of Fort Hare (UFH), Vicks Sphelele Mbhele, is a MSc student in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture. Vicks is in the Plant Systems Biology Group under the leadership of Dr. Lara Donaldson. His research will focus on identifying prevalent rhizosphere microbiome particularly in sorghum crop that has been cultivated in different ecological zones.

"I am super excited about this opportunity and it has been a wonderful experience to be exposed to new information and experts, I have been learning a lot. I am grateful to the ICGEB and UFH for this opportunity and honored of being selected " Vicks Sphelele Mbhele

Rudzani Makhado is a MSc student in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture at the University of Venda.

Also in the Plant Systems Biology Group, under the leadership of Dr. Lara Donaldson, Rudzani's research focuses on elucidating the soil microbiome in the plant Senna alexandrina. She aims to explore the diversity, structure, and function of soil bacterial communities associated with this plant. Moreover, she is interested in looking at the compounds that are produced by it's roots using metabolomics.

"I'm grateful to be at ICGEB, it has provided me with a unique opportunity to grow as a researcher. This experience is allowing young people like me to embrace new challenges, explore innovative ideas, and develop valuable skills. I'm thankful for the chance to be part of an organisation that fosters collaboration, creativity, and excellence. As I continue on this journey, I look forward to expanding my knowledge, refining my skills, and contributing meaningfully to the scientific community. I'm excited to see the impact that my research can have on society and to be part of a global effort to advance knowledge and address pressing challenges." Rudzani Makhado

The final HDI fellow due to join ICGEB Cape Town, Professor Nontuthuko Rosemary Ntuli from the Department of Botany at the University of Zululand, will commence her Senior Fellowship in early 2025.

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