Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

This Youth Month, the Societal Impact Task Team and Division of Clinical Anatomy are collecting toiletries and stationery for the 144 children at Durbanville Children’s Home.

Donations can be dropped off at BMRI Reception or Cups & Saucers until 22 June. Cash contributions are also welcome via SnapScan. Every contribution can help support the children’s health, dignity, wellbeing and education.

As an FMHS alumnus, a physiotherapist for the Springboks and someone who continues to contribute to Stellenbosch University, he represents the lasting connection between where our graduates begin and the impact they go on to make.

As the Faculty celebrates 70 years of impact, we honour alumni like Dr Aneurin Dean Robyn, whose dedication and expertise continue to carry the FMHS legacy forward.

His journey. Our legacy. 70 years of impact.

New research from Stellenbosch University’s Department of Psychiatry looked at why people living with schizophrenia may experience relapse.

Clinicians said relapse is often linked to several challenges happening at the same time, including gaps in healthcare, limited follow-up support, medication shortages and pressure on families.

The study shows that preventing relapse needs more than treatment alone. Stronger healthcare services, reliable access to medication and better support for individuals and families are also important.

Read the full article: https://www.su.ac.za/en/faculties/medicine/news/clinicians-point-systemic-barriers-behind-schizophrenia-relapse

Effective outbreak response requires more than containing a virus. It also demands coordinated action across health systems, communities and governments.

In a new commentary published in The Lancet, an SU-led team of regional and global experts examines the wider challenges affecting the Ebola outbreak response in the DRC and Uganda. Led by Prof Jean Nachega, the team proposes practical priorities to strengthen public health action and support authorities managing the crisis.

Read more: https://www.su.ac.za/en/faculties/medicine/news/global-experts-led-su-outline-urgent-response-ebola-outbreak

What a fantastic day at our Postgraduate Open Day this past Saturday (13 June).

We welcomed prospective students to the Biomedical Research Institute for an engaging, hands-on experience exploring future careers in the health sciences. From retina analysis and pathogen identification under microscopes to grip strength challenges and testing knowledge of the human skeleton, there was something to spark every curious mind.

It was inspiring to meet so many future TygerMaties. We look forward to welcoming you back soon as postgraduate students in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Mitochondria are central to health, healing and the body’s ability to respond to exercise. This was the focus of yesterday’s Pro-VC Open Lecture, “Understanding Mitochondria: From Biogenesis to its Pharmacology”, presented by Dr Sundeep Dugar, Founder and CEO of Aayam Therapeutics.

The lecture, presented in partnership with the Africa Centre for Therapeutics Innovation, offered the FMHS community and online attendees valuable insight into the pharmacological role of mitochondria in health. Dr Dugar ended with a simple but memorable reminder: take care of your mitochondria.

Geneticist Prof Shahida Moosa is combining genomic sequencing, AI and clinical care to improve diagnosis for patients with rare and complex disorders. Through Stellenbosch University’s Undiagnosed Diseases Programme, her team is helping families find answers that were previously out of reach, while strengthening African representation in global genomic data.

Read the full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/d44148-026-00142-8

Discover postgraduate opportunities at Honours, Master’s and Doctoral level in areas such as clinical sciences, public health, biomedical research and health systems. You’ll have the chance to connect with academic supervisors and current postgraduate students, learn more about admissions, research proposals and funding options, and visit our research and teaching facilities.

Reserve your place today: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/375363-fmhs-postgraduate-open-day-2026/?utm_source=EventPage&utm_medium=Sharebox&utm_campaign=&ref=event-page-share