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13 May 2025 | Story André Damons | Photo Supplied
Prof Martin Nyaga
Prof Martin Nyaga, Full Professor in the Division of Virology and Head of the Next Generation Sequencing Unit (UFS-NGS Unit) at the University of the Free State.

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

Kovsie TV Launched
2015-05-06

Victor Ngubeni, Grace Thoabala, Nangamso Dlatu, Aisha Poswa, Lesego Maakamedi, Nothando Hlope, Aldene vd Merwe and Lawrence Siyoko

“We have to change our university before we can change our country.”

 

There is a revolution at hand, and students are requesting new and exciting platforms on which they can voice themselves. Kovsie TV aims to do just that for Kovsie students. 

 

As a student initiative, the steam behind it is SRC Student Development and Environmental Affairs, Victor Ngubeni. He says that it is only right that it be by the students themselves. The launch saw many from the campus community gathered out of curiosity and excitement for the new venture. The evening started out as quite a classy frenzy, which had attendees clearly prepared for the level of broadcasting that the launch would showcase.

 

The initial idea is to increase the number of platforms where students can receive information. The Student Media portfolio, which oversees the functioning of student media platforms, aims to make Kovsie TV as autonomous as possible. As an introductory initiative, it will aid in the sharing and telling of students’ stories.

 

It is important to mention the preparation process that was endured by the many hopefuls who auditioned, hoping to make it as one of the Kovsie TV presenters. For more than three weeks, the panel of judges sieved through the contestants until they had just six rough diamonds. Then, for the first time, the audience met the faces that they would become familiar with from this point.

 

As Ngubeni stressed during his speech, Kovsie TV would not serve as propaganda machine for the SRC, as many might have asked about the relationship that could be expected between the two. The architects of Kovsie TV hope that, as a student initiative, it will inspire a new era in student activism.

 

When asked about the concept behind this new platform, Ngubeni informed us that, “the concept is to have a twenty-minute campus TV show highlighting what goes on around campus so that students know, and so that we can get them participating in campus life activities.”

 

This is a student initiative whose future will depend solely on the students themselves.

 

Presenters:

Nangamso Dlathu – Studio presenter

Grace Thoabala – Studio presenter

Lesego Maakamedi – Social events

Nothando Hlophe – Current affairs

Aldine van der Merwe – Culture events and Vox-Pop

Mbulelo Siyoko – Culture and Vox-Pop

Aisha Phoswa ? Sports

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