Editorial - the gem - May 2025

We are nearly halfway through the year. A year so dynamic and challenging that it feels more like a decade. It began with the threat of funding cuts to science, which has now become a reality. Just in May, CERI alone lost six NIH grants. Despite these difficulties, we remain committed to doing what South Africa and Africa do best: moving forward with determination and optimism so we can shape our own future.

One way we’re doing this is by launching a biotechnology incubator and accelerator, which we named as LaunchLab CERIBIO. Creating an advanced Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) environment in Stellenbosch designed to support the development of biotech startups. As we open CERIBIO, four companies are already being incubated, providing young scientists with a platform to become entrepreneurs and innovators.

We’re also strengthening our collaborations with academic institutions. This month, we welcomed several international visitors, including Prof. Brian Fox, Head of Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Prof. Carmen Faso, Co-director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID) from the University of Bern in Switzerland; and Prof. Adam Habib, Vice Chancellor of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London and former Vice Chancellor of Wits University.

Our work in advancing genomic surveillance continues, with a strong focus on emerging COVID-19 variants and efforts to address the severe Chikungunya outbreak in the Indian Ocean Islands. Our findings have been featured in both Nature and Science journals.

We are also investing in science communication and public engagement through expert seminars and photography workshops for our staff. We’re especially proud to celebrate the graduation of five new students with PhDs, MScs, and Honours degrees (cum laude).

In spite of the challenges, we remain focused in our mission that is; responding to epidemics, building capacity, and fostering innovation. So we can help create the future we envision and deserve.

text: Tulio de Oliveira