Share Tweet

Dr Gugu Gama on connecting African researchers to shape Africa’s research agenda.

For Dr Gugu Gama, strengthening African research starts by recognising the expertise already on the continent. As Coordinator of the CERI Africa STARS Fellowship Programme at Stellenbosch University International, she help s connect young scientists across countries, disciplines and cultures.

Her commitment grew from early community engagement work, where she saw how education could build confidence, skills and possibility. Today, she sees the same potential in African scientists working together to address shared challenges.

Through Africa STARS, fellows gain scientific training alongside leadership, science communication and grant-writing skills, preparing them not only to participate in research but to shape its direction.

For Gugu, the relationships formed are just as important. Fellows who begin as names on a list become collaborators who share opportunities, visit one another’s countries and support each other’s careers.

Behind that work are often deeply personal motivations. Gugu has met fellows whose research choices were shaped by losing family members to diseases that could not be diagnosed or treated in time. Their determination to prevent other families experiencing the same loss, she says, reflects the sense of purpose driving African research.

“African researchers get to set the agenda, define the priorities, and back each other in doing so.”

text & photo: SU International

News date: 2026-09-03

Links: