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Prof Martin Nyaga joins prestigious Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship

13 May 2025 | Story André Damons | Photo Supplied

Prof Martin Nyaga, an NRF B-Rated Full Professor in the Division of Virology and Head of the Next Generation Sequencing (UFS-NGS) Unit at the University of the Free State (UFS), has been selected as one of the cohort II fellows of the prestigious Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship.

Prof Nyaga, who is one of 12 individuals from six African countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and Zambia) selected to this cohort, says he is profoundly honoured. Through the prestigious fellowship, inspired by Professor Juma’s visionary legacy, he envisions advancing Africa’s capacity to combat infectious diseases by developing robust, mNGS-based surveillance systems that detect and characterise emerging pathogens early enough.

“The opportunity to join a cohort of exceptional African scientists, united by a shared commitment to addressing global health challenges, is both humbling and inspiring. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to uphold the fellowship’s mission of fostering sustainable development through cutting-edge research and policy engagement, particularly in the context of my work on genomic disease surveillance.

“I am deeply inspired by Professor Calestous Juma’s legacy of harnessing science for sustainable development, and I am committed to embodying his optimism and interdisciplinary approach. The fellowship represents a transformative platform to advance scientific innovation and leadership in Africa. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Gates Foundation for this opportunity, and I look forward to contributing to a transformative era of African scientific leadership,” says Prof Nyaga.

Advantages of the Fellowship

The Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship focuses on bringing together accomplished innovators to form a community of global health opinion shapers and influencers. The programme provides targeted professional development to support fellows as they expand their networks, amplify their voices, and continue to build and strengthen a dynamic, resilient research & development (R&D) ecosystem that changes the lives of people living not only in Africa but around the world.

Among the new cohort are experts in virology (including HIV and rota), bacteriology (including TB and strep), immunology, malaria, modelling, maternal immunisation, epidemiology, chemistry, drug discovery and development, vaccine discovery, clinical trials, and controlled human infection models to name just a few examples.

According to Prof Nyaga, Director of a WHO Collaborating Centre for Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) Surveillance and Pathogen Genomics, selection for the Fellowship is a rigorous and competitive process, designed to identify African scientists with exceptional research portfolios and leadership potential. Candidates are typically invited based on their established track record in transformative science, as well as their ability to anchor health and R&D initiatives within their communities. Successful applicants are evaluated for their scientific excellence, interdisciplinary networks, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of African scientists, aligning with the fellowship’s holistic view of leadership.

The NRF B3-rated scientist says he is eager to engage with the fellowship’s vibrant community of scientists from multiple African countries, fostering collaborations that amplify our collective impact on global health. He anticipates benefiting from the fellowship’s non-scientific training in communication, policy engagement, and institution strengthening. Participating in networking opportunities will broaden his perspectives and strengthen his capacity to drive innovative solutions in Africa’s genomic R&D ecosystem.

“I believe my work in pathogen surveillance research using genomics, aligns closely with the fellowship's objectives. As a fellow, I bring a wealth of experience in leading multi-country projects, establishing regional collaborations, and fostering capacity development through training and mentorship.

“In addition, my ongoing work at the UFS-NGS Unit, including projects on enteric and respiratory virus surveillance, vaccine monitoring and efficacy using next generation sequencing, which will enrich discussions on public health. Conversely, the fellowship will enhance my scientific development by providing advanced training in leadership and policy advocacy, enabling me to translate research findings into actionable health policies. This synergy will elevate my capacity to lead transformative R&D initiatives and mentor future African scientists.”

Contributing to the betterment of people

Prof Nyaga believes his research on vaccine efficacy and metagenomics of gut and respiratory virome will contribute to the betterment of not only Africans, but also people around the world by informing targeted interventions in vaccine efficacy monitoring and development. This research will also contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality applicable to enteric and respiratory infections in vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, he explains, the fellowship’s emphasis on networking and policy engagement will amplify these efforts, enabling him to advocate for evidence-based health policies across Africa. Globally, their collective work as Calestous Juma Science Leadership fellows will strengthen the R&D ecosystem, fostering innovation that addresses pandemic preparedness and other health challenges. By building resilient scientific communities, the fellowship will contribute to sustainable development, improving lives in Africa and beyond.

News Archive

Graduates encouraged to use their knowledge to the benefit of SA

2017-06-28

Description: Graduation read more photo 27 June 2017 Tags: Graduation read more photo 27 June 2017

On 26 June 2017, the last day of its mid-year graduation
ceremonies, the University of the Free State conferred
388 master’s and 72 doctoral degrees.
Photo: Charl Devenish

You have the knowledge, which is a big resource, and should use it to the benefit of South Africa. This was the overwhelming message to graduates obtaining their master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Their responsibility was emphasised by the likes of Justice Mahube Molemela during the ceremonies in the Callie Human Centre at the Bloemfontein Campus on 26 June 2017. Justice Molemela, Judge President of the Free State Division of the High Court and Acting Justice of the Supreme Court of South Africa, was the guest speaker at the morning and afternoon ceremonies.

The UFS conferred 388 master’s and 72 doctoral degrees on the final day of its mid-year graduation ceremonies, which was the biggest set of ceremonies in the university’s history. The doctorates came from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (30), Faculty of the Humanities (15), Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (9), Faculty of Education (8), Faculty of Health Sciences (5), and Faculty of Theology (5). A total of 5 258 degrees were conferred over six days from 19 to 26 June 2017.

Future dependant on youth
Justice Molemela said the master’s and doctoral graduates have the skills to make a difference. “The future of a nation is largely dependent on its youth playing a meaningful role in creating a strong economy, culminating in a good standard of living for everyone.”

She said they should plough back into their communities and give opportunities to others. “I am certain that if each one of you thinks innovatively in your respective fields, you will find solutions which will eradicate poverty, improve service delivery, and hence our education will advance gender equity, and promote public participation.”

Dr Khotso Mokhele, UFS Chancellor, said these graduates have every reason to hold their heads high, their shoulders square, and walk with a bit of an attitude, as they have distinguished themselves.

Generation of new knowledge
According to Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, the UFS strives to be a university that is research led. “For me, one of the important aspects about universities which set them apart from other training and vocational institutions is the generation of new knowledge,” he said at a lunch function for PhD graduates on 26 June 2017. He feels it is critically important for them to make a contribution to the country.

Dipiloane Phutsisi, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Motheo TVET College in the Free State, also emphasised this. Phutsisi was the guest speaker on 23 June 2017. “Your courage and eagerness to face the future and tell the truth in the midst of this confusion, is highly desired by South Africans.”

Justice Ian van der Merwe, Judge of Appeal at the Supreme Court of Appeal and former Chair of the UFS Council, was the guest speaker at the ceremonies on 22 June 2017. He encouraged graduates from a chapter in the book War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.

“There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness, and truth (according to Tolstoy). Or maybe more modernly translated: There is no greatness where simplicity, goodness, and truth are absent.”

Click here to see a list of Deans’ and Senate medals awarded.

Graduations ceremonies:

19 June 2017:

Faculty of Education, except educational qualifications in Open and Distance Learning – South Campus
Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Theology, and Faculty of Law (including the School of Financial Planning Law)

“Every one of us, is destined for greatness. In the words of Dr Martin Luther King: Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but greatness, because greatness is determined by service.” – Dipiloane Phutsisi (Guest speaker and Principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Motheo TVET College in the Free State)

Photo Gallery
Livestream Footage (morning session)
Livestream Footage (afternoon session)

Photo: Charl Devenish

20 June 2017:

Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences: All Bachelor’s degrees
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences: All Diplomas and Bachelor Honours degrees

“Graduation marks a start of a new and wonderful journey. During the last couple of years you have not only developed your intellect, but also expanded what I call your social self,” - Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor

Speech: Prof Francis Petersen (morning)
Speech: Prof Francis Petersen (afternoon)
Photo Gallery
Livestream Footage (morning session)
Livestream Footage (afternoon session)

Photo: Charl Devenish

21 June 2017:

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: All certificates, diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, and Bachelor Honours degrees, excluding BCom degrees
Faculty of the Humanities: Social Sciences and Communication Sciences only

“Graduation is one of the most accomplished achievements one can ever experience.” – Justice Connie Mocumie (Guest speaker and Judge of Appeal at the Supreme Court of Appeal)

Photo Gallery
Livestream Footage (morning session)
Livestream Footage (afternoon session)

Photo: Charl Devenish

22 June 2017:

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: BCom degrees only
Faculty of the Humanities: All qualifications, except Social Sciences and Communication Sciences

“The question is not if you will make mistakes, but how do you deal with your mistakes? Do you admit them, do you learn from them, and do you grow as a person?” – Justice Ian van der Merwe (Guest speaker and Judge of Appeal at the Supreme Court of Appeal)

Photo Gallery
Livestream Footage (morning session)
Livestream Footage (afternoon session)

Photo: Johan Roux

23 June 2017:

Educational qualifications in Open and Distance Learning – South Campus

“Class of 2017, go and make your own unique contributions but remember to look into your own heart. South Africa needs your skills, your innovation, knowledge, your expertise and creativity.” – Dipiloane Phutsisi (Guest speaker and Principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Motheo TVET College in the Free State)

Photo Gallery
Livestream Footage (afternoon session)

Photo: Charl Devenish

26 June 2017:

All faculties: master’s and doctoral degrees

“Class of 2016/2017 graduates: You are critical thinkers, you can analyze, you can think independently. That is why you managed to successfully complete postgraduate degrees and diplomas.” – Justice Mahube Molemela (Judge President of the Free State Division of the High Court and Acting Justice of the Supreme Court of South Africa)

Photo Gallery
Livestream Footage (morning session)
Livestream Footage (afternoon session)

Photo: Charl Devenish

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