A new Lancet analysis explores the challenges and priorities for epidemic preparedness and response during the ongoing Bundibugyo virus Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

A four-month exchange strengthened collaboration in tuberculosis genomics and mycobacterial research.

At a recent lecture and workshop series, the Public Squares Initiative invited researchers, academics, students, and community members to explore creative methods in participatory research.

A new interactive dashboard reveals major gaps in hepatitis B and C genomic surveillance across the globe.

A new genomic study has mapped how Rift Valley fever virus has evolved across Africa over nearly 80 years, revealing how a handful of genetic changes could shape future outbreaks, vaccine development and disease surveillance.

As AI reshapes society, Stellenbosch University is helping Parliament prepare for responsible oversight and informed decision-making.

New review explores how ancient DNA preserved in archaeological remains could unlock new insights into the origins, evolution, and spread of infectious diseases, helping to inform future surveillance and epidemic preparedness across Africa.

A peek inside the Gates Grand Challenges Annual Meeting 2026, where AI, maternal health, and climate science took centre stage.

SU at Europe’s leading mycobacteriology conference.

On March 4 this year, Grace Bosco watched her own face appear on the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square – a name and a company logo, up in lights, next to just nine others chosen from thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide.

From site visits to start-up: how one African STARS fellow turned lessons in leadership and communication into two grants that will put African-made enzymes and gene tools on the map.

On 18 July, SmartPath partnered with the Impilo Project's Mandela Day Health Day at Marconi Beam Primary School in the Joe Slovo community. SmartPath, an integrated care programme developed through the African STARS Fellowship at CERI, focused the day on awareness, screening, and follow-up for iron deficiency anaemia among women of reproductive age, using point-of-care haemoglobin and ferritin testing and referral for oral iron.

During her African STARS fellowship at CERI, Celestine combined laboratory research with industry experience, technology transfer and entrepreneurship. Working across South Africa and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, she gained the skills and networks to help translate scientific discoveries into real-world biotechnology innovations for Africa.

While completing his African STARS fellowship at CERI, Kabugo Joel played a key role in supporting Uganda's response to the 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak. His story highlights how international partnerships, genomics training and scientific networks can strengthen outbreak response and build long-term public health resilience across Africa.

Representatives from CEPI's global laboratory network visited CERI at Stellenbosch University to explore its work in genomic surveillance and epidemic response. The visit reinforced the importance of international collaboration and Africa's central role in advancing pandemic preparedness through the 100 Days Mission.

Stellenbosch University's Innovation and Data Science Industry Dinner in Sandton brought together researchers, alumni and industry leaders to discuss how stronger partnerships can accelerate AI, data science and health innovation. Featuring Prof Tulio de Oliveira and Prof Kanshukan Rajaratnam, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration, responsible innovation and building South Africa's capacity to tackle complex challenges through data-driven research.

Beyond individual achievements, the programme is building a growing network of scientists, innovators and institutions working together to strengthen Africa's research, manufacturing and epidemic preparedness capabilities.

Science has never been more visible. Research findings are shared instantly across social media, scientists engage directly with global audiences, and public debates increasingly draw on scientific evidence. Yet alongside these opportunities come new challenges, from misinformation and political interference to online harassment and declining trust.

Ugandan clinical microbiologist and African STARS fellow Amusa Wamawobe has won the globally competitive Robert Austrian Research Award – and points to the fellowship as one of the forces that sharpened the scientific writing behind his winning proposal.

The new Genomics of Antimicrobial Resistance (GEN-AMR) Research Unit at CERI aims to strengthen Africa’s response to antimicrobial resistance through genomics, surveillance, bioinformatics, and precision medicine. Led by Dr Emilyn Costa Conceição, the unit brings together interdisciplinary expertise to better understand drug-resistant pathogens, expand genomic surveillance capacity, support public health decision-making, and build research and training networks across Africa and beyond.

Two African STARS MSc fellows at CERI reflect on their journeys in bioinformatics, pathogen genomics, and infectious disease research. Nick Mogoi and Thato Phenyo share how the fellowship has helped them develop advanced analytical skills, deepen their understanding of genomics and public health, and strengthen their commitment to using data-driven approaches to improve disease surveillance, epidemic preparedness, and health outcomes across Africa.

The Virus Evolution and Molecular Epidemiology (VEME) Workshop equips researchers with the skills to analyse and interpret viral genomic data for public health applications. Through hands-on training in phylogenetics, evolutionary analysis, and outbreak investigation, participants learn how to translate genomic data into insights that support disease surveillance, outbreak response, and epidemic preparedness. The workshop also strengthens bioinformatics capacity and collaborative networks across Africa.

A new Nature paper co-authored by Prof Houriiyah Tegally explores how integrated global surveillance systems could improve the detection, tracking, and response to infectious disease threats. The paper introduces PathogenGlobal, a framework that connects genomic, environmental, modelling, and public health data through collaborative and federated approaches, aiming to strengthen outbreak preparedness, early warning systems, and pandemic response worldwide.

Celestine Kemunto Nyamari reflects on her journey from Kenya to Stellenbosch University through the African STARS Fellowship. Working at the intersection of molecular biology, biotechnology, genomics, and cervical cancer research, she explores how African-led science can address local health challenges. Her story highlights the importance of collaboration, community, and pan-African partnerships in strengthening research capacity and improving health outcomes across the continent.

Joel Kabugo shares his journey from Uganda to Stellenbosch University through the African STARS Fellowship, highlighting his work in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases. His research focuses on improving access to diagnostics, tackling antimicrobial resistance, strengthening health systems, and expanding African representation in genomics research to address pressing public health challenges across the continent.

Researchers are calling for stronger surveillance of hantaviruses in Africa, warning that climate change, land-use change, and limited monitoring may increase the risk of future outbreaks. Improved detection, research, and One Health approaches could help identify and prevent spillover events before they become larger public health threats

Through hands-on activities and direct engagement with researchers, learners gained practical insight into genomics and the role it plays in understanding health, disease, and scientific discovery.

The Wastewater & Environmental Surveillance Meeting 2026 in Ghana brought together researchers from across Africa to explore how wastewater data can support disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, and public health decision-making.

Researchers and community engagement teams from four African countries gathered in Kenya for the 2026 WEMA Consortium and Scientific Advisory Board meeting, sharing emerging findings on climate-related mental health and shaping the next phase of the project.

Behind every successful research programme is a strong operational foundation. At CERI, Zethu Luthuli’s dedication to research management and administration helps create the conditions that enable researchers and students to thrive.