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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

Letter to students from Prof Jonathan Jansen about student protest action at the UFS

2015-10-21

Dear Students

Student protest action at the University of the Free State

I wish to make clear that the senior leadership of the University of the Free State understands and supports the demands from students and their leaders that higher education be accessible to all students, especially the poor. For the past six years we have done everything in our power to meet that commitment to students who are academically talented, but simply cannot afford to pay; that is why our tuition fees remain among the lowest in the country. Our efforts to raise private funding have enabled thousands more students to study at the UFS than would have been possible on the government subsidy only. Whether it is the Staff Fund contributions (yes, our staff empty their pockets to support student fees) or the No Student Hungry (NSH) bursary programme (yes, we raise funds for food bursaries), we will continue our drive to fund students who cannot afford higher education. Let me repeat, no student with a solid academic record will be denied access to studies simply because they cannot pay.

Now, to the matter at hand. There is a national demand from students for a 0% fee increment for 2016. The Minister’s response, after consultation with stakeholders, was that universities should cap their 2016 fee increases at 6%. Despite this initiative from government, the protests continue on virtually all campuses across South Africa for the ‘no fee’ increase.

Our response, as the UFS leadership, is to continue engaging the SRC as the chosen leadership of our students in trying to negotiate a settlement on the matter. We have worked around the clock to be available to student leaders to find some resolution on 2016 fees. While we understand the demands of students, as university leaders, we can only work with the government subsidy we receive. Any agreement reached, cannot and must not place the university at academic and financial risk in its ability to deliver public higher education to the country - if that happens, everybody loses. Still, no matter what happens in terms of the response from government, the leadership door at the UFS remains open to finding a mutually acceptable solution to all parties in these deliberations.

Students, we are deeply concerned by the violence, intimidation and threats from the small group of protesting students. These dangerous and demeaning behaviours, like disrupting classes and verbally abusing students and staff, undermine the legitimate quest of students for relief concerning tuition fees. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and the university will take action where required. We must also remember that we have an obligation to all 30 000 students whose right to learn without fear of violence and intimidation must be respected.

In conclusion, over the past few years we have worked hard to build a culture of mutual respect and embrace as we worked through some very difficult challenges on campus. You would have noticed that the university leadership responded quickly and sympathetically to reason and respect in difficult situations of rage and demonstration. A minority of students, with some outsiders, have come onto the campus to break down that culture in which, while we might disagree, we continue to work on the basis of mutual respect. I urge all students that, as we engage of this important problem of enabling greater access to higher education, we continue to remain true to the core values of our Human Project.

Best Regards

Prof Jonathan Jansen
Vice-Chancellor and Rector
University of the Free State

Letter to students from Prof Jonathan Jansen about student protest actions at the UFS (Pdf format)

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