Editorial - the gem - March 2025

The month of March passed swiftly, marked by the International Women’s Day. Those familiar with CERI, KRISP, and SACEMA are aware that over 70% of our staff, postdoctoral researchers, and postgraduate students are women. This is a vital moment to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our female scientists.

In this edition of the gem, we feature an insightful conversation with Dr. Houriiyah Tegally, our Head of Data Sciences. Dr. Tegally discusses her impressive accomplishment of publishing 40 manuscripts during her PhD and her success in establishing a large data science team less than two years post-graduation. Additionally, we spotlight the scientific endeavors of two PhD students from the Africa Microbiome Group as they participate in a scientific exhibition in Antarctica. We also commend Dr. Jennifer Giandhari for her recognition for contributions to science, technology, and innovation at TIA’s inaugural Women Technology Innovation Programme, as well as Nikita Sitharam for receiving the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship.

This issue of the gem also addresses pressing challenges, including the reduction of U.S. funding to South Africa. Two pieces delve into this topic: an in-depth article featured in Spotlight and an interview that I gave that was aired on national television. Moreover, we are working to advance complex tuberculosis (TB) treatment program with the HARVEST trial, a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the efficacy of high-dose oral rifampicin in improving survival rates among adults living with TB meningitis, both HIV-positive and HIV-negative.

Furthermore, we present novel genomic analyses highlighting the international spread of the Oropouche Virus, and we celebrate another award received by SACEMA. To conclude this editorial, I wish to reflect on an inspiring week spent at the Africa Leadership Initiative of the Aspen Institute in Spier, as exemplified in the accompanying image, which illustrates how science can illuminate during challenging times.

text: Tulio de Oliveira