the gem - genomics, epidemics & microbes

Welcome to Issue 2 of 2025 of 'the gem' - genomics, epidemics and microbes, a monthly magazine produced by the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), SACEMA and Data School at Stellenbosch University and KRISP at UKZN.This past month, we remained focused on strengthening South Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

A major milestone was the launch of the African STARS Fellowship applications. To further boost health innovation, we hosted the BRAIN (Bridging Research and Innovation) bootcamp. We also saw two major AI-driven breakthroughs: a Nature paper in collaboration with Oxford and Copenhagen on AI’s role in infectious disease research, and the release of Craft, a cutting-edge machine-learning tool for rapid dengue subtyping. Amidst all this, we trained for the +100 km Cape Town Cycle Tour—pedaling for a cause to support students in need.

The BRAIN Regional Bootcamp brought together 10 high-potential African startups for an intensive five-day programme in Cape Town and Stellenbosch, South Africa.?

In just five years, AI could transform how we predict and respond to disease outbreaks. We contributed to this article in Nature that provides a clear perspective of what to expect from AI in the next decade.?

CERI join the #Move4Maties movement at the 2025 Cape Town Cycle Tour to Help Bridge the Financial Gap for Students?

We invite applications for the African STARS Fellowship Programme, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. This prestigious initiative is designed to train the next generation of African leaders.?

A North-South partnership between theGenomic Surveillance Unit (GSU) at theWellcome Sanger Institute and CERI at Stellenbosch University, has received funding under the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) UK-SA Health System Strengthening Partnership.

?

Apply now for the chance to gain world-class training in bioinformatics and virus evolution! Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career and make a meaningful impact on global health.

?

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Lavanya Singh as the new Head of the Laboratory and Quality Management at CERI, Stellenbosch University. With a PhD in Virology and over a decade of experience as an HPCSAregistered Medical Scientist, Dr.

?

Dr. Houriiyah Tegally Receives Prestigious Grant for the project on? project?“Uncovering Climate Change Impacts on Arbovirus Transmission Dynamics at the Intersection of Phylodynamics, Ecological Modelling, and Machine Learning,” set to commence in February 2025.

In this seminar, Professor Jo-Ann Passmore, Principal Medical Scientist (NHLS) and Professor of Medical Virology (UCT), introduced the Genital Inflammation Test (GIFT)—a groundbreaking, affordable point-of-care diagnostic tool for sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis. She also shared key insights from her research on genital tract inflammation and its impact on HIV risk in women. This discus-sion highlighted the crucial role of innovative diagnostics in advancing women’s health.

Newzroom Afrika journalist Latashia Naidoo visited the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) labs to discuss the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to halt foreign aid. In an exclusive interview, CERI Director Tulio de Oliveira shared insights on how the funding cuts could dis-rupt vital research at local universities. For years, U.S.-funded initiatives have supported African scientists in tackling regional and global health challenges. With this decision, the future of groundbreaking research hangs in thebalance.?

A new partnership between Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) and theWellcome Sanger Institute has been launched to strength-en global disease surveillance. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the project focuses on real-time genomic monitoring of respiratory viruses to improve pandemic preparedness in both South Africa and the UK. Thecollaboration aims to enhance data sharing, track emerging variants, and support public health responses worldwide.

In this seminar, Prof. Ilse Ruyssen, Associate Research Professor in Migration Economics at Ghent University, pre-sented a set of quantitative case studies examining the impact of temperature and rainfall anomalies, as well as droughts, on human mobility in West Africa. Her research delves into the complex factors driving migration decisions and immo-bility, with a particular focus on climate change, health, and retention factors. Prof. Ruyssen also highlighted thebroader implications of migration on individuals and communities’ live-lihoods, drawing on her expertise as a leader in the intersec-tion of climate change, migration, and health.