Local scientists receive gold medals

TWO local scientists have been awarded gold medals for their contributions in the fields of HIV and tuberculosis research.

Professors Frank Tanser and Thumbi Ndung’u from Africa Health Research Institute received the medals during the 2017 South African Medical Research Council.

The gold medal is awarded annually to established senior scientists who have made key contributions that have positively impacted the health of people.

Prof Ndung’u, whose research is focussed on designing a vaccine or cure strategy for two of South Africa’s major killer diseases, HIV and TB said: ‘I am delighted to receive this award and recognition.

In reality, this is an award not just for me but for my entire team.

‘I am blessed to have had generous mentors, incredibly gifted colleagues and students who have made my research journey enjoyable and rewarding.’Most of all, I have enjoyed unqualified and unwavering support from my family and friends, who keep reminding me to laugh and smile more through life.’

Prof Tanser said he is deeply honoured to receive such a prestigious award, and acknowledged his excellent team of researchers and collaborators.

‘I also want to thank my wonderful family for their incredible support over the past 20 years. Without their unconditional support, none of this would have been possible,’ he said.

Prof Tanser’s research aims to ‘evaluate and design intervention strategies to drive back the HIV epidemic and its negative consequences in communities hardest hit by the epidemic’. His pivotal work over the past 20 years has provided substantial insights into the evolving and dynamic nature of the HIV epidemic and its key drivers, informing HIV prevention and treatment efforts in sub-Saharan Africa.

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