Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.
— Louis Pasteur
Wits Health Sciences Campus
WITS BioHub
ADVANCING INNOVATION
From South Africa to the World
“The WITS BioHub is more than a research precinct. It is a catalyst for discovery, confronting the world’s most urgent health challenges, while equipping the next generation of scientists to drive progress forward.”
Witwatersrand
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of the
A Bold STEP FORWARD
The WITS BioHub brings together scientific innovators united by a shared mission: to advance health and transform lives It lays the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future. Leveraging advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, the BioHub aims to improve patient outcomes by pushing the boundaries of disease understanding and treatment development.
Above all, this is about people.
The BioHub creates a dynamic ecosystem where shared knowledge drives faster, smarter solutions to healthcare’s most pressing challenges.
It’s about using science and technology to improve lives and deliver more accessible, efficient, and compassionate healthcare to millions.
COLLABORATION Powers Discovery
What sets the WITS BioHub apart is its ability to accelerate innovation, connect disciplines, and translate research into real-world solutions.
By integrating infectious diseases, oncology, vaccine research, diagnostics, genomics, and planetary health, we are driving discoveries that reshape healthcare.
This multi-disciplinary model ensures faster innovation, deeper knowledgesharing, and greater global impact.
Why NOW?
Africa accounts for:
15% of the global population
25% of the global disease burden
<2% of global research output
This imbalance hinders innovation, weakens health systems, and leaves the world vulnerable to future pandemics
The WITS BioHub changes that. Positioned in Johannesburg, it channels Africa’s expertise to lead innovation on global health threats, from infection-driven cancers to emerging pandemics
The Home of Scientific Excellence.
Why WITS?
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is uniquely positioned to lead Africa’s scientific transformation. With over a 100-year legacy of pioneering medical research, it is home to world-class researchers, state-of-the-art laboratories, and a network of global partnerships that drive impact beyond the continent
Wits has a proven track record in transforming research into real-world impact. Research entities at Wits led groundbreaking vaccine studies that have informed global recommendations by the World Health Organisation (WHO); pioneered Africa’s first gene therapy solutions for Hepatitis B; and influenced WHO guidelines for fungal infection treatment in HIV+ patients
Research Units SHOWCASING OUR IMPACT
The strength of the WITS BioHub lies in its ability to harness the expertise of worldclass research units at Wits. These internationally recognised teams are already producing groundbreaking science, and by working together, they will drive solutions for Africa’s most urgent health challenges.
Core FACILITIES
A28,000sqmresearchcampus
BSL-3Laboratoryforhigh-containmentresearch
SequencingandFlowCytometryUnits
LiquidNitrogenStorage
Biobanking
A Space Designed for Growth, Collaboration and Future Leaders
The WITS BioHub is purposefully designed to be a beehive of activity a dynamic space where early-career scientists can connect, collaborate and grow Through IDORI’s EDGE concept (Early in Career Development and Growth Environment), the BioHub will foster a new generation of African scientific leaders, creating opportunities for mentorship, learning and innovation beyond traditional laboratory settings.
Key Research Themes
Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research
Oncology and Chronic Disease Research
Planetary Health and Emerging Threats
Tropical Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance
These themes form the foundation for crossdisciplinary, impact-driven discovery.
THEME 1: Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research
ANTIVIRAL
GENE THERAPY RESEARCH
Director: Professor Patrick Arbuthnot
UNIT (AGTRU)
AGTRU is at the forefront of gene therapy innovations, specializing in nucleic acid-based treatments for viral infections such as hepatitis B. The unit is shaping Africa’s future in advanced biopharmaceuticals, including mRNA vaccine technology.
ANTIBODY IMMUNITY RESEARCH UNIT (AIRU)
Director: Professor Penny Moore
AIRU is internationally recognised for its work in understanding viral evolution and immune responses The laboratory conducts cutting-edge research on HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and other viral pathogens, playing a critical role in global vaccine and therapeutic development
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR BIOMEDICAL TUBERCULOSIS RESEARCH (CBTBR)
Director: Professor Bavesh Kana
CBTBR is tackling South Africa’s TB epidemic by advancing TB vaccine and drug discovery, improving diagnostics, and developing new treatment regimens. The Centre’s research is designed to translate scientific discoveries into real-world applications that improve patient outcomes and reduce TB transmission.
THEME 1: Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research
WITS INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND ONCOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE (WITS IDORI)
Director: Professor Glenda Gray
Senior Scientific Advisor: Professor Robert Breiman
Wits IDORI is the only institute of its kind globally, dedicated to the intersection of infectious diseases and cancer. By embedding oncological research within the broader infectious disease ecosystem, IDORI is transforming how we understand and address infection-driven cancers, such as cervical and colorectal cancer Its cross-disciplinary approach enables the development of targeted prevention strategies, diagnostics, and therapies. The institute brings together leading scientists and clinicians to conduct world-first research, train the next generation of African scientific leaders, and deliver innovative tools to reduce the cancer burden across the continent.
S VACCINES AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES ANALYTICS (WITS VIDA)
tor: Professor Shabir Madhi
VIDA is globally recognised for its pioneering vaccine research and disease surveillance The unit’s work has influenced recommendations on a number of vaccines, ensuring that life-saving immunizations reach the populations that need most
THEME 2: Oncology and Chronic Disease Research
V PATHOGENESIS RESEARCH UNIT (HPRU)
rector: Professor Maria Papathanasopoulos
PRU is dedicated to understanding HIV at a molecular level, driving new therapeutic interventions, and contributing to global orts to find a cure.
WITS DIAGNOSTIC INNOVATION HUB (WITS DIH)
irector: Professor Wendy Stevens
DIH is a leader in developing rapid, affordable diagnostics for infectious diseases, including HIV and TB Its work supports largescale implementation of innovative health solutions across Africa
STRATEGIC COLLABORATOR
South African National Cancer Registry
The South African National Cancer Registry (NCR), housed within the National Health Laboratory Service, is the country’s primary source of national cancer incidence data collecting, analysing and reporting on cancer trends through both pathologybased and population-based surveillance As a strategic collaborator of the WITS BioHub, the NCR provides essential epidemiological data that strengthens cancer research, supports early detection efforts, and informs evidence-based public health interventions across South Africa.
THEME 3: Planetary Health and Emerging Threats
EMERGING VIRAL THREATS ONE HEALTH (EVITOH)
Director: Professor Marietjie Venter
EViTOH applies the One Health approach to monitor and prevent emerging zoonotic diseases, ensuring Africa is prepared for future pandemics. The unit’s work integrates human, animal, and environmental health to mitigate risks posed by infectious disease outbreaks
PLANETARY HEALTH RESEARCH (PHR)
Director: Professor Matthew Chersich
PHR investigates the impact of climate change on human health, addressing issues such as heat-related illnesses and vectorborne diseases The unit’s research provides critical insights into how environmental factors influence disease patterns across Africa.
THEME 4: Tropical Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance
WITS MYCOLOGY DIVISION
Director: Professor Nelesh Govender
The Wits Mycology Division focuses on improving outcomes for people affected by life-threatening fungal infections. Its research extends to antimicrobial resistance and innovative strategies for better diagnostics and treatments.
STRATEGIC COLLABORATOR
Wits MIND Institute
The Wits MIND (Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery) Institute brings advanced AI research and innovation into the BioHub ecosystem, opening new frontiers for biomedical discovery. As an African-based interdisciplinary hub, Wits MIND Institute applies cutting-edge machine learning and data science to unlock insights in health research, develop technologies suited to local challenges, and ensure that AI-driven solutions are ethical, inclusive, and responsive to Africa’s needs
A Vision BUILT ON PARTNERSHIP
WITS HAS ALREADY COMMITTED R220 MILLION
This is towards securing the WITS BioHub site and launching critical infrastructure
To fully realise this vision, we need partners who believe in the power of African science to drive global impact
Now, we need visionary partners to turn this bold initiative into reality Your investment will propel the BioHub into a world leader in infectious disease and oncology research.
Various escalating levels of potential investment have been showcased in this brochure:
Wits IDORI AI Cancer Centre
Wits IDORI Complex (which will occupy more than fifty percent of the WITS BioHub)
The entire WITS BioHub
vestment Area
PHASE 1 Investment Target
cquisition of WITS BioHub Site
bs & IDORI Hub Development (2025) R263 million
o-Safety Level 3 (BSL-3) Lab Expansion R32 million
otal Phase 1 Investment Required
million
Subject to the University’s Naming Policy, all of the potential areas of investment (or combinations of these) will be eligible for perpetual naming rights and other appropriate forms of recognition of support.
Where Science MEETSIMPACT
R475 MILLION GOAL
Close the Gap: R255 million to
FOR DONORS
Your investment can unlock the next vaccine breakthrough or cancer treatment. Be part of a new chapter in global health
FOR INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Join a thriving research ecosystem Collaborate across disciplines to tackle global health’s toughest challenges
FOR SCIENTISTS AND ACADEMICS
The BioHub bridges research and industry, accelerating biotech, pharmaceutical, and med-tech innovation
Todiscussinvestmentopportunitiesorlearnmorecontact: ProfessorGlendaGrayorMsCharneHaak
Email:glendagray@witsacza/charnehaak@witsacza
Phone:+27(0)117172868
Website:www.wits.ac.za/idori