The University of the Free State – Next Generation Sequencing (UFS-NGS) Unit was represented by Dr. Emmanuel Ogunbayo at the Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2025), held in the vibrant city of Durban last week. Convened by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the annual CPHIA is a premier platform that brings together public health professionals, policymakers, researchers, and development partners from across the continent to exchange ideas and strengthen collaborative action toward improving health outcomes in Africa.
Dr. Emmanuel contributed to the conference’s scientific programme with a presentation titled “Perinatal influences on the infant gut bacteriome and resistome: Implications for antimicrobial stewardship.” This research explores how perinatal factors, such as maternal health, delivery mode, and antibiotic exposure, shape the infant gut microbiome and resistome. By investigating these relationships, the study provides critical insights into the early-life microbial processes that influence antimicrobial resistance (AMR) development and highlights the implications for antimicrobial stewardship within maternal and child health.
Dr. Emmanuel noted that participating in CPHIA 2025 was an invaluable opportunity to share findings, gain perspectives from leading researchers, and strengthen networks that support collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to addressing Africa’s public health challenges.
“The conference underscored the importance of evidence-based research and cross-sectoral partnerships in tackling antimicrobial resistance and advancing public health innovation across the continent,” Dr. Emmanuel reflected.
A special acknowledgment was extended to Prof. Martin Nyaga, Head of the UFS-NGS Unit, for his mentorship and continuous support. His leadership and commitment to fostering research excellence remain integral to the success of the Unit’s projects and international collaborations.
Dr. Emmanuel’s participation at CPHIA 2025 exemplifies the UFS-NGS Unit’s dedication to advancing genomic research that informs public health policy and strengthens health systems in Africa. The Unit continues to contribute to the global discourse on antimicrobial resistance and microbial genomics through impactful research, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
By Palesa Tsunke
Prof. Martin Nyaga Delivers Inaugural Lecture on Pathogen Genomics and African Health Security
During his inaugural lecture, Prof. Martin Nyaga, Head of the University of the Free State (UFS) Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Unit, offered an insightful overview of his pioneering research in pathogen genomics and its impact on public health in Africa.
The lecture, titled “Genomic Sentinels: Charting the Evolution of Enteric and Respiratory Viral Threats for African Health Security,” explored how genomic science continues to shape the continent’s preparedness and response to infectious diseases. Prof. Nyaga illustrated how his work extends beyond the laboratory to influence real-world health policies, highlighting his contributions to national and ministerial technical reports on COVID-19 variants in South Africa and Vibrio cholerae variants in Malawi.
The event, held on 8 September 2025, was attended by colleagues, postdoctoral fellows, and postgraduate students from the Faculty of Health Sciences, as well as special guests including Prof. Motlalepula Matsabisa, Head of the African Medicines Innovations and Technologies Development Platform, and Dr. Glen Taylor, Senior Director of the Directorate for Research Development. Prof. Nyaga’s family also joined in support, his children, Dylan and Latoya, attended in person, while his parents and siblings participated virtually.
In his address, Prof. Nyaga, who is affiliated with the School of Biomedical Sciences and the Division of Virology, reflected on the evolving global landscape of viral threats and the urgent need for advanced tools to combat them. He emphasized the growing role of genomic science as a foundational element of modern public health.
Ground breaking Contributions During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Prof. Nyaga highlighted his extensive work on enteric viruses, particularly rotaviruses, conducted through the Gates Foundation-funded African Enteric Viruses Genome Initiative and its follow-up project, the Sequencing and Antigenic Cartography of Enteric Viruses. His research has been instrumental in tracking viral evolution before and after the introduction of vaccines, revealing key genomic changes that inform strategies for improving vaccine effectiveness in high-burden regions.
He also discussed his team’s pioneering use of metagenomics to study the gut and respiratory virome, offering new insights into their roles in child health and their potential connections to metabolic disorders.
A significant portion of the lecture focused on his involvement with the Network for Genomic Surveillance in South Africa (NGS-SA), a collaborative initiative that enabled the early detection and characterisation of the SARS-CoV-2 Beta and Omicron variants. These findings were internationally recognised and published in leading journals such as Science and Nature Medicine, reinforcing Africa’s growing influence in the field of genomic surveillance.
Strengthening Africa’s Scientific Capacity
As a National Research Foundation (NRF) B3-rated researcher, Prof. Nyaga also spoke about the UFS-NGS Unit’s recognition as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance and Pathogen Genomics, a milestone that strengthens Africa’s capacity for independent pathogen monitoring and reinforces its pursuit of health sovereignty.
Throughout the lecture, Prof. Nyaga emphasized the importance of mentorship and capacity building in developing Africa’s next generation of genomic scientists. He shared examples of his efforts to train and supervise postgraduate researchers, host specialised bioinformatics workshops, and secure research infrastructure and equipment grants.
He concluded his lecture by calling for sustained investment in African science and equitable research partnerships that prioritise co-ownership and technology transfer. Prof. Nyaga closed with an inspiring message: that a scientifically sovereign Africa is not only possible, but essential to global health security.
(Adapted from the official UFS article: “Prof Martin Nyaga’s pioneering work in pathogen genomics spotlighted during inaugural lecture,” published 2 October 2025.)
By Palesa Tsunke
Somila Nazo Excels in UFS Three Minute Thesis Competition
Ms. Somila Nazo, undertaking her M. MedSc research at the UFS Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Unit under the supervision of Prof Martin Nyaga and Dr Emmanuel Ogunbayo. She participated in the University’s prestigious Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Her research focuses on metagenomics in healthcare environments, examining microbial community composition and antimicrobial resistance within ICU settings and hospital wastewater systems.
The highly technical nature of her work, rooted in sequencing data and microbial ecology, made the 3MT competition a unique challenge, requiring her to present complex research in a clear, concise, and accessible manner.
The first stage of the competition took place at the faculty level on 18 September, where Ms Nazo was announced the winner in the masters category. Presenting in person, she captivated the audience by communicating not only what her research entails but also why it matters—highlighting its significance for public health, infection control, and understanding microbial transmission risks in hospital environments. She received positive feedback and support from the academic community for her engaging and accessible presentation style.
Advancing to the institutional round on 20 October, Ms Nazo presented virtually, overcoming the unique challenges of engaging an online audience and conveying emphasis and emotion through a screen. Her efforts were recognized when she was awarded first-runner up at the institutional level—a testament to the relevance and clarity of her research beyond the laboratory.
Participation in the 3MT competition allowed Ms Nazo to grow as a science communicator, honing her ability to translate complex, data-driven research into a compelling narrative that underscores real-world impact. The experience also strengthened her confidence in public speaking and reinforced the importance of making scientific research approachable to broader communities.
Ms Nazo expressed gratitude to her supervisors, colleagues, and the UFS-NGS Unit for their ongoing support, emphasizing that the experience has inspired her to continue sharing her work in forums where research can educate, inform, and inspire.
Thabisa Mpaxa Showcases Rotavirus Research at National and International Platforms
Ms. Thabisa Mpaxa, an emerging researcher in medical virology, had the privilege of presenting her work at both national and international forums in 2025, highlighting the impact of whole genome sequencing in understanding rotavirus strain diversity.
At the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Forum 2025, held on 28–29 August, Ms. Mpaxa presented a poster in the Laboratory Research category titled “Highlighting the Value of Expanded Characterisation of Rotavirus Strains by Whole Genome Sequencing to Determine Constellation Diversity.” The forum provided a platform for young researchers to share scientific findings, engage in academic discussions, and gain exposure to diverse areas within health sciences.
The programme featured inspiring sessions, including the Opening Lecture by Prof Gert van Zyl and the FP Retief Lecture by Prof Quarraisha Abdool Karim, emphasizing the importance of impactful, collaborative research for public health. Presenting her work allowed Ms Mpaxa to discuss the significance of whole genome sequencing in enhancing the understanding of rotavirus strain diversity and its implications for vaccine development. The experience offered valuable feedback from peers and senior academics, strengthening her scientific communication skills and appreciation for research translation.
Following this, Ms Mpaxa attended the International Society of Vaccines (ISV) Annual Congress 2025, held in Stellenbosch from 28–30 October—the first time the congress was hosted on African soil. At this global platform, she presented a poster based on her Honours research, engaging with international researchers and vaccine experts, receiving insightful feedback, and exploring emerging trends in vaccinology.
Her participation was made possible by the generous support of the Poliomyelitis Research Foundation, which enabled her to gain exposure to cutting-edge vaccine research and networking opportunities that will support her future academic and professional growth.
Reflecting on these experiences, Ms. Mpaxa described attending and presenting at both the Faculty Research Forum and the ISV Congress as invaluable opportunities that broadened her scientific perspective, strengthened her commitment to vaccine research, and reinforced her dedication to advancing public health in South Africa and beyond.
Thabisa Mpaxa attends the Science Forum South Africa 2025
The Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) 2025 brought together researchers, policymakers, innovators and students from across the continent to engage in dialogue around science, technology and innovation in support of Africa’s development. The programme covered a wide range of themes including climate resilience, entrepreneurship, funding models for research, science diplomacy, digital transformation and the future of emerging technologies. Across these diverse discussions, a strong emphasis was placed on collaboration, capacity building and ensuring that scientific advancements translate into societal impact.
Among the many thought-provoking sessions, several were particularly relevant to the fields of pathology and genomic research. A notable highlight was the “Building a Healthier Nation for All Through Science and Medical Research” session hosted by the South African Medical Research Council. The session underscored the essential role of molecular diagnostics and genomic sequencing in strengthening public-health surveillance, improving disease detection and guiding evidence-based interventions. It also emphasized the need to expand local sequencing capacity to address infectious diseases more efficiently.
Another key session, “Emerging Health Industries: Unlocking Economic Value Through Disruptive Technologies,” explored the growing intersection between health innovation and advanced laboratory technologies. Discussions covered topics such as AI-supported diagnostics, automation in laboratory workflows and high-throughput sequencing systems technologies that are reshaping modern pathology and creating opportunities for African-led innovation.
Additionally, the “NCD WHO Training” session highlighted laboratory and pathology-related approaches to tackling non-communicable diseases, focusing on improved diagnostic practices, biomarker analysis and the role of research laboratories in early detection and continuous monitoring.
Finally, capacity development was a recurring theme throughout the forum, reflected in sessions such as “Strengthening the Skills of Early-Career Researchers on the African Continent.” This session emphasized improving technical training in sequencing, data interpretation and applied molecular research skills that are increasingly vital across biomedical disciplines.
Overall, SFSA 2025 successfully showcased the continent’s growing scientific capabilities while reinforcing the importance of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and investment in research infrastructure.
From the Lab to the World: Sesiyanda Maseko Shares Her Research Through Science Communication.
Ms. Sesiyanda Maseko is a Master of Medical Science student specialising in Virology, supervised by Prof. Martin Nyaga, Dr. Milton Mogotsi, and Dr. Kwe Yinda Claude. Her research, titled “Whole genome characterisation of noroviruses detected in children under five years from Gauteng, South Africa,” investigates the genetic diversity of noroviruses — one of the causes of viral diarrhoea in young children.
“My work, particularly the improved understanding of circulating norovirus strains, can inform better diagnostic tools, strengthen surveillance systems, and ultimately support healthier outcomes for children – especially in Africa, where the disease burden is high and data remains limited,” she explains. “That’s why I’ve taken every opportunity to share my research with wider audiences – to raise awareness of its importance and to contribute to the broader scientific conversation on child health and infectious diseases.”
The 8th-CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium, hosted at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, marked Ms. Maseko’s first experience presenting her research. It offered an opportunity to share her findings with a diverse audience of scientists and emerging researchers, leading to insightful discussions that deepened her curiosity about her project and influenced the way she approaches it. The experience reminded her that her research is more than an academic pursuit – it is a meaningful way to make an impact in the world. Being surrounded by scientists driven by curiosity and innovation was both exciting and inspiring, reinforcing the idea that, despite working in different disciplines, researchers share a common goal: to contribute to a better South Africa and, ultimately, a better world.
Continuing her commitment to making science accessible, Ms Maseko took part in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, where she won first place in the university’s institutional level. Her winning presentation, titled “One Virus Diagnosed, Many More Hidden: Genomics Unmasks Missed Viruses Behind Childhood Diarrhoea,” was recognised for its clarity and impact. It effectively bridged the gap between scientific complexity and public understanding, transforming advanced genomic research into a compelling story that resonated with both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Reflecting on the moment her name was announced, Ms. Maseko admitted she was taken by surprise. “I was honestly shocked. The level of competition was so high that winning never crossed my mind. When my name was called, it felt surreal, a mix of disbelief, excitement, and gratitude all at once.”
Reflecting on the two platforms that allowed her to share her research, Ms. Maseko emphasises the importance of making science both accessible and people centred. Research gains its true value when it serves humanity,” she says. As she continues to develop as a scientist, her goal remains clear – to pursue research that not only advances scientific understanding but also contributes meaningfully to improving lives. She concludes by expressing sincere gratitude to her supervisors and to the UFS NGS Unit members for their guidance and support.
