IDM’s emerging scientists: Pioneering breakthroughs in infectious disease research

Established in 2004, the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) is a leading force in the research of major infectious diseases in Africa. The recently introduced IDM Fellows programme nurtures early- to intermediate-level researchers aligned with the institute’s vision, showcasing its dedication to impactful global research and talent development.

A beneficiary of the IDM’s Junior Research Fellowship scheme, Dr Michael Zulu, reflects on his journey from rural KwaZulu-Natal to becoming a leading scientist. Raised by a single mother, his pursuit of a research career in biomedical sciences was encouraged by mentors during his BSc at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He completed his honours degree in biological sciences and embarked on an MSc scholarship focusing on HIV pathogenesis.

“Communities, such as the one I grew up in will benefit from my work by having someone with a vested interest in their plight.”

Dr Zulu’s academic journey continued with PhD studies in UCT’s Division of Immunology, followed by three overseas postdoctoral fellowships. Now, back at the IDM, his research focuses on the role of myeloid-lineage cells in infectious diseases, with emphasis on HIV, TB, and COVID-19.

Explaining why his research is pertinent to the African continent and particularly South Africa he said: “I witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of diseases in my own community. Communities, such as the one I grew up in will benefit from my work by having someone with a vested interest in their plight. Through representation and inspiration and, most importantly, the development of therapeutics we can help fight diseases which impact our communities.”

The IDM’s ‘TEAM’

The Transformation, Education, Accountability, and Mentorship (‘TEAM’) initiatives are comprised of four working committees within the IDM. The institute’s ‘TEAM’ promotes a culture of collaboration and supports programs such as workshops, community engagement, grants and fellowships. These aim to provide staff and students with opportunities to allow growth and development in different aspects of their careers and research.

Dr Ruby Bunjun, an IDM and EDCTP (European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership) Fellow, credits the institute’s support for international grants and fellowships as transformative to her research journey.

“The support from the IDM for international grants and fellowships has made an enormous difference. In addition, there are a plethora of initiatives within the institute which support early-career researchers.”

“I also hold a Carnegie Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) through the IDM,” said Dr Bunjun, whose research focuses on understanding immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in Africa, in adolescents and those with immune dysfunction during ‘long COVID’. She values the collaborations facilitated by the IDM and believes in research tailored to Africa’s needs which align with the IDM’s mission of developing indigenous scientific capacity.

Discovering transformative impact

TB research remains a cornerstone of the IDM’s efforts, the disease is explored across many fronts such as diagnosis, pathogenesis, management, vaccine development, biomarker discovery, and aerobiology. Driven by a commitment to address the persistent challenges posed by TB, Dr Ryan Dinkele, two-time winner of the IDM Postgraduate Student Publication Competition (2022 and 2021), continues to pioneer ground-breaking approaches to combat the disease.

“My research is important because transmission represents an under-researched bottleneck in the natural history of TB.”

Dr Dinkele, who was originally driven by the desire to cure HIV, shifted his focus to TB research during his studies at UCT. His PhD in medical microbiology delves into understanding TB transmission.

“TB still spreads, infects and kills people at an alarming rate. My research is important because transmission represents an under-researched bottleneck in the natural history of TB, yet it has the potential for profoundly impactful interventions,” he said.

Dr Dinkele emphasized the IDM’s role in facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and providing critical support for his aerobiology research in communities like Masiphumelele.

The institute nurtures a new generation of researchers whose work reflects a commitment to indigenous scientific capacity development and a vision of research in Africa, for Africa.

By leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement, these emerging scientists are at the forefront of driving impactful innovations in infectious disease research, shaping the future of global health.

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