Wits BioHub

WHERE AFRICA’S SCIENCE SHAPES THE WORLD’S HEALTH

Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.

— Louis Pasteur

Foreword The world is at a tipping point in the fight against infectious diseases and cancer, two of the greatest health challenges of our time. Nowhere is this crisis more urgent than in South Africa, where HIV, TB, and cancer-causing viruses such as HPV and Hepatitis B drive a growing health emergency. Yet, these fields remain largely siloed, leaving critical gaps in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

The Wits Interdisciplinary and Translational Science (WITS) BioHub is designed to change that. As the first initiative of its kind in Southern Africa, it brings together leading scientists, industry, and policymakers to fast-track discoveries into realworld solutions. At its core is Wits IDORI (the Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute), pioneering breakthroughs at the critical intersection of infections and cancer, an area long overlooked in global research.

But innovation needs investment. To build world-class research platforms, develop next-generation vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments, and ensure they reach patients in time to save lives, we need bold partners ready to fund solutions at scale. With your support, the WITS BioHub can drive Africa-led innovations that will shape global health.

Glenda Gray is the Director of IDORI at Wits. She was the first female President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council, where she led the scientific strategy and prioritisation of medical research in South Africa. She sits on various international scientific boards including the GARDP and CEPI and the CHAVD SCRIPPS to name a few.

PROFESSOR GLENDA GRAY

DIRECTOR OF THE WITS INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND ONCOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Wits Health Sciences Campus

WITS BioHub

3

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.”

Professor Zeblon Vilakazi Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of the Witwatersrand

4

A Bold STEP FORWARD

5

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.

6

A First for

SOUTHERN AFRICA

The WITS BioHub pioneers a research frontier that few globally - and none in Southern Africa - have tackled at scale: the intersection of infectious diseases and oncology. These two fields represent the continent’s most urgent health burdens yet have historically been studied in silos.

The BioHub disrupts this model, generating breakthrough science that transforms prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for both diseases.

Not only in Africa, but worldwide.

7

COLLABORATION is at the heart of this initiative

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.

8

Why NOW?

9

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.

AFRICA ACCOUNTS FOR 15% OF THE GLOBAL POPULATION

BEARS 25% OF THE GLOBAL BURDEN OF DISEASE

BUT ONLY CONTRIBUTES 2% OF THE WORLD’S RESEARCH OUTPUT

10

Why WITS? 11

The Home of Scientific Excellence.

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.

A Proven Leader IN HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION Wits University has led medical and scientific breakthroughs for over a century, from transplants and HIV/AIDS treatment to cutting-edge vaccine development.

Here’s why the WITS BioHub belongs at Wits: Unmatched Legacy: 100+ years of pioneering research.

Real-World Impact: Wits research has influenced WHO guidelines, informed global vaccine policy, and developed Africa-first gene therapies.

Strategic Location: At the heart of Johannesburg’s health precinct—near hospitals, biotech firms, and regulators.

Global Networks: Collaborations with WHO, NIH, Gates Foundation, and top universities.

Next-Gen Science Leaders: The WITS BioHub will train and support emerging African scientists with world-class facilities.

12

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.

13

WHERE SCIENCE Comes Together

A key pillar of the WITS BioHub’s impact is its ability to bring together multiple scientific disciplines under one roof to address complex health challenges. The BioHub is structured to facilitate seamless cooperation between infectious disease experts, oncologists, molecular biologists, epidemiologists, and data scientists, ensuring that Africa’s top scientific minds work in synergy. This cross-disciplinary approach enables faster innovation cycles, stronger knowledge-sharing, and more impactful health solutions that are tailored to the realities of the African health landscape.

At the heart of this effort is the Wits IDORI, a flagship entity within the BioHub that is uniquely focused on the intersection between infectious diseases and cancer.

14

15

Core FACILITIES A 28,000 sqm research campus BSL-3 Laboratory for high-containment research

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.

Sequencing and Flow Cytometry Units Liquid Nitrogen Storage Biobanking

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.

16

THEME 1:

Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research

ANTIVIRAL GENE THERAPY RESEARCH UNIT (AGTRU) Director: Professor Patrick Arbuthnot

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.

17

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.

WITS VACCINES AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES ANALYTICS (WITS VIDA) Director: Professor Shabir Madhi

Wits VIDA is globally recognised for its pioneering vaccine research and disease surveillance. The unit’s work has influenced WHO recommendations on a number of vaccines, ensuring that life-saving immunizations reach the populations that need them most.

18

THEME 2:

Oncology and Chronic Disease Research

HIV PATHOGENESIS RESEARCH UNIT (HPRU) Director: Professor Maria Papathanasopoulos

HPRU is dedicated to understanding HIV at a molecular level, driving new therapeutic interventions, and contributing to global efforts to find a cure.

WITS DIAGNOSTIC INNOVATION HUB (WITS DIH) Director: 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.

19

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.

20

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.

21

“The world cannot afford to overlook Africa’s scientific capacity.”

Professor Robert Breiman Founding Director and Senior Scientific Advisor, Wits IDORI

22

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 23

COLLABORATION is at the heart of this initiative

PHASE 1

Investment Target Investment Area

Amount Required (ZAR)

Acquisition of WITS BioHub Site

R180 million

Labs & IDORI Hub Development (2025)

R263 million

Bio-Safety Level 3 (BSL-3) Lab Expansion

R32 million

Total Phase 1 Investment Required

R475 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.

24

The Time IS NOW

Africa carries 25% of the world’s disease burden yet receives a fraction of global health research funding.

Your investment will: Accelerate medical breakthroughs – fuel the next generation of vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments.

Elevate Africa’s role in global health – establish Wits and South Africa as leaders in biomedical innovation.

Create a lasting legacy – improve lives and strengthen health systems for generations.

Build the future of global health with us.

25

Where Science MEETS IMPACT R475 MILLION GOAL Close the Gap: R255 million to go

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.

26

To discuss investment opportunities or learn more contact: Professor Glenda Gray or Ms Charne Haak Email: glenda.gray@wits.ac.za / charne.haak@wits.ac.za Phone: +27 (0)11 717 2868 Website: www.wits.ac.za/idori