Being selected for an international fellowship in India, is more than about her own professional development. It is an opportunity to represent the University of the Free State (UFS) at an international research environment while contributing to the exchange of knowledge, postgraduate skills development and research capacity.
“I am truly honoured and excited to have been selected for the Mysuru Fellowship Programme 2026. This opportunity is deeply meaningful to me, both professionally and personally. Over the past five years, I have worked towards building my research capacity and establishing meaningful linkages with leading academic institutions and Centres of Excellence beyond South Africa. Being selected for this fellowship therefore represents an important milestone in that journey.
“At the same time, I see the fellowship not only as recognition of the work I have undertaken thus far, but also as a responsibility to learn, share, build connections and create opportunities that extend beyond my own research programme,” says Dr Ntsapi-Combrink.
Celebrating the fellowship, Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, observed: “Dr Nstapi-Combrink’s selection for this prestigious fellowship underscores the growing international recognition of UFS researchers and their contribution to globally relevant scholarship. We are proud to see a UFS scholar contributing to global efforts aimed at addressing complex health challenges such as neurodegenerative diseases.”
Building on and extending her research
According to Dr Nstapi-Combrink, she applied for the fellowship because it offered a unique opportunity to extend her existing research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), cellular neurodegeneration, cognitive health, and resilience in ageing using more physiologically relevant research models. Her research has increasingly focused on understanding the interconnected cellular mechanisms that contribute to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline, while exploring innovative therapeutic approaches, particularly those derived from natural products.
“The fellowship provides an opportunity to build on this work by incorporating three-dimensional (3D) neuronal modelling and investigating the increasingly recognised relationship between metabolic dysfunction, neuronal resilience, and AD.
“I believe that moving towards more physiologically relevant models can provide deeper insight into chronic disease mechanisms and strengthen the translational potential of research aimed at promoting healthier brain ageing and identifying interventions for neurodegenerative disorders.”
Dr Ntsapi-Combrink says a particularly important consideration in applying was the opportunity to work with Prof Saravana Chidambaram, whose research interests strongly align with her own. His work, she says, encompasses the mechanisms underlying late-life neurodegeneration, vascular dementia, behavioural and cognitive sciences, and neuropharmacology. She is particularly drawn to the opportunity to engage with Prof Chidambaram’s complementary expertise while contributing her own experience in cellular neurodegeneration.
Investigate a dual therapeutic approach
Her research at JSS AHER, according to Dr Ntsapi-Combrink, will focus on developing and investigating a 3D hanging-drop neuronal microtissue model of AD to explore the relationship between metabolic dysfunction, particularly impaired insulin signalling, and amyloid-related pathology. The use of a 3D model provides an opportunity to investigate these processes within a more physiologically relevant cellular environment, with greater consideration of interactions between cells and their surrounding microenvironment.
The project will investigate a dual therapeutic approach using metformin, which targets metabolic dysfunction, and Lion’s Mane mushroom, which has recognised neurotrophic and neuroprotective potential. The aim is to explore whether simultaneously targeting metabolic dysfunction and neuronal resilience could provide a more effective approach to maintaining neuronal health and potentially mitigating mechanisms associated with neurodegeneration.
“The research aligns strongly with the UFS Strategic Plan 2023-2028 (Vision 130), particularly its emphasis on research excellence and impact, innovation, internationalisation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful societal contribution. AD and dementia represent a growing global health challenge, with a significant unmet need for effective preventive and therapeutic interventions,” Dr Ntsapi-Combrink says.
“Through the development of physiologically relevant cell-based models and the investigation of innovative therapeutic strategies, this research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of neurodegenerative disorders and, ultimately, to approaches that may support healthier brain ageing and improved outcomes for those affected by these conditions.”
She says she is looking forward to building meaningful international research relationships that extend beyond the duration of the fellowship – the knowledge that can be shared, the relationships that can be developed, and the opportunities that may emerge for UFS students, and research communities at both institutions. She hopes that the fellowship will be the beginning of a longer-term collaboration between researchers at JSS AHER and UFS, creating opportunities for joint research, publications, future funding initiatives and potentially further exchange of researchers and postgraduate students.
Prof Reddy concluded by saying, “Research thrives through collaboration, and this fellowship provides an important platform for knowledge exchange and scientific advancement. Dr Ntsapi-Combrink’s work aligns strongly with the UFS’ commitment to responsible societal futures, shaped by excellence, innovation, internationalisation, and meaningful societal impact.”