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Faces Behind The Impact.Dr Fikile Mabena is Head of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and a dedicated paediatrician and inf...
30/09/2026

Faces Behind The Impact.

Dr Fikile Mabena is Head of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and a dedicated paediatrician and infectious diseases specialist committed to delivering evidence‑based, compassionate care.

Based at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, she combines clinical practice with teaching, mentoring medical students, intern doctors, medical officers, and paediatric registrars. Her research interests include neonatal and young infant sepsis, paediatric Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), tuberculosis (TB), and other infectious diseases affecting children.

As President of the Southern African Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases (SASPID), Dr Mabena continues to champion child health while advocating for marginalised children and young people across South Africa and beyond.

Faces Behind The Impact.Professor Frederick Raal is a Distinguished Professor in the Division of Endocrinology and Metab...
29/09/2026

Faces Behind The Impact.

Professor Frederick Raal is a Distinguished Professor in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Director of the Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism Research Unit. Widely recognised as a Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher for the past five years, his work has significantly advanced the understanding and management of lipid disorders.

His research focuses on familial hypercholesterolaemia, particularly heterozygous and homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, with a strong emphasis on the clinical, biochemical, genetic, and therapeutic management of these conditions. Through pioneering research and the evaluation of novel therapies, including Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and Angiopoietin-like Protein 3 (ANGPTL3) inhibitors, Professor Raal continues to drive innovation in cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Faces Behind The Impact.Dr Stuart Pattinson is a Lecturer in the Centre for Health Sciences Education (CHSE), where he c...
28/09/2026

Faces Behind The Impact.

Dr Stuart Pattinson is a Lecturer in the Centre for Health Sciences Education (CHSE), where he contributes to faculty development and advances the scholarship of teaching and learning. His work focuses on understanding how healthcare students navigate the transition from student to doctor, with particular interests in preparedness for practice, wellbeing, legitimacy, and professional identity formation.

Currently pursuing doctoral research in this field, Dr Pattinson is helping to shape educational approaches that better support future healthcare professionals as they transition into clinical practice and develop confidence in their professional roles.

Faces Behind The Impact.At the intersection of knowledge, research, and innovation stands Ms Boitumelo Masilo, Manager o...
24/09/2026

Faces Behind The Impact.

At the intersection of knowledge, research, and innovation stands Ms Boitumelo Masilo, Manager of the Health Sciences Library. Through her expertise in academic librarianship, research support, and emerging technologies, she plays a vital role in connecting researchers with the information and resources needed to drive discovery and impact. 📚✨

Her research interests span library practice, information literacy, artificial intelligence literacy in research, and Indigenous Knowledge Management. Beyond supporting access to scholarly information, she assists researchers with journal selection, navigating publishing practices, Open Access publishing, and enhancing research visibility through bibliometrics, altmetrics, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

By empowering researchers to access, evaluate, and disseminate knowledge effectively, Ms Masilo continues to strengthen a culture of research excellence and innovation.

30 Years Of Wits Vida.30 Years. Countless Lives Impacted. A Legacy That Endures.Yesterday, 22 September 2026, marked a s...
23/09/2026

30 Years Of Wits Vida.

30 Years. Countless Lives Impacted. A Legacy That Endures.

Yesterday, 22 September 2026, marked a significant milestone as Wits VIDA celebrated 30 years of excellence in scientific discovery, public health research, and life-changing impact.

The occasion brought together researchers, clinicians, partners, alumni, and supporters to reflect on three decades of groundbreaking contributions that have advanced knowledge, strengthened healthcare, and improved lives across communities.

More than a celebration of the past, the event highlighted the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to addressing some of society's most pressing health challenges. From pioneering research to transformative breakthroughs, Wits VIDA's journey stands as a testament to what is possible when science serves humanity.

As one chapter of an extraordinary legacy is honoured, the next begins with renewed purpose, ambition, and the promise of even greater impact.
Wits VIDA

23/09/2026

Research Day Recap : From crisis to continuity — the science of sustainability. 🧪🔬

Emeritus Professor Patrick Arbuthnot reflects on how lessons from the COVID era can shape a resilient, future-ready academic enterprise.
Turning adaptation into innovation, and challenges into lasting impact.

# ScienceForImpact

Faces Behind The Impact.Professor Lizette Koekemoer is a Research Professor at the Wits Research Institute for Malaria, ...
23/09/2026

Faces Behind The Impact.

Professor Lizette Koekemoer is a Research Professor at the Wits Research Institute for Malaria, specialising in malaria vector control and the biology of African malaria vectors. Her work expands understanding of the molecular and biological aspects of malaria transmission while building capacity for the next generation of independent‑thinking researchers. By advancing science and training future leaders, she contributes to reducing and ultimately eliminating malaria vectors.

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