Prof Tulio de Oliveira is awarded the African Scientific Leadership Prize

text: Stellenbosch University photo: Stefan Els

Renowned bioinformatician and infectious disease expert Professor Tulio de Oliveira has been awarded the 2025 EDCTP Scientific Leadership Prize for African men, honouring his outstanding contributions to genomic surveillance, pandemic preparedness, and capacity building in Africa.

The prize, awarded by the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), recognises researchers from sub-Saharan Africa and Europe whose work on poverty-related diseases has significantly strengthened scientific capacity and public health outcomes. This year, four recipients were honoured, two women and two men, from both continents.

Professor de Oliveira, based at Stellenbosch University, has been instrumental in South Africa’s COVID-19 response, leading the team that identified both the Beta and Omicron variants. His work, powered by world-class facilities like the Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI), has set the standard for real-time outbreak detection and response, not only in South Africa but across the continent.

He also leads the GenPath Africa project, an EDCTP3funded initiative that builds genomic surveillance capacity in South Africa, Kenya, and Mozambique, and recently launched CLIMADE, a pioneering, African-led effort to tackle climate-driven infectious diseases.

“This recognition is not just for me, it is for the many African scientists, students, and communities working together to solve problems with science and innovation. We are showing the world what is possible when Africa leads.”

Prof. de Oliveira’s work extends beyond genomics: by integrating technologies like mRNA vaccines, AI, and data science, his team is at the forefront of shaping Africa’s health response in an era of climate change. His approach emphasises collaboration, skills transfer, and empowering scientists in partner countries through inperson training and shared leadership.

The award was presented during the 12th EDCTP Forum by Prof. Catherine Hankins and Prof. Souleymane Mboup, both global leaders in health research.

Professor de Oliveira summed up his philosophy with a powerful African proverb:

“A stick on its own is fragile, but sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.”

This award is a testament to the strength of African science, when united, it is unstoppable.

Watch the acceptance speech of Prof de Oliveira: https://youtu.be/VBPt1HqCFww