Beyond individual achievements, the programme is building a growing network of scientists, innovators and institutions working together to strengthen Africa's research, manufacturing and epidemic preparedness capabilities.
Science has never been more visible. Research findings are shared instantly across social media, scientists engage directly with global audiences, and public debates increasingly draw on scientific evidence. Yet alongside these opportunities come new challenges, from misinformation and political interference to online harassment and declining trust.
Ugandan clinical microbiologist and African STARS fellow Amusa Wamawobe has won the globally competitive Robert Austrian Research Award – and points to the fellowship as one of the forces that sharpened the scientific writing behind his winning proposal.
The new Genomics of Antimicrobial Resistance (GEN-AMR) Research Unit at CERI aims to strengthen Africa’s response to antimicrobial resistance through genomics, surveillance, bioinformatics, and precision medicine. Led by Dr Emilyn Costa Conceição, the unit brings together interdisciplinary expertise to better understand drug-resistant pathogens, expand genomic surveillance capacity, support public health decision-making, and build research and training networks across Africa and beyond.
Two African STARS MSc fellows at CERI reflect on their journeys in bioinformatics, pathogen genomics, and infectious disease research. Nick Mogoi and Thato Phenyo share how the fellowship has helped them develop advanced analytical skills, deepen their understanding of genomics and public health, and strengthen their commitment to using data-driven approaches to improve disease surveillance, epidemic preparedness, and health outcomes across Africa.
The Virus Evolution and Molecular Epidemiology (VEME) Workshop equips researchers with the skills to analyse and interpret viral genomic data for public health applications. Through hands-on training in phylogenetics, evolutionary analysis, and outbreak investigation, participants learn how to translate genomic data into insights that support disease surveillance, outbreak response, and epidemic preparedness. The workshop also strengthens bioinformatics capacity and collaborative networks across Africa.
A new Nature paper co-authored by Prof Houriiyah Tegally explores how integrated global surveillance systems could improve the detection, tracking, and response to infectious disease threats. The paper introduces PathogenGlobal, a framework that connects genomic, environmental, modelling, and public health data through collaborative and federated approaches, aiming to strengthen outbreak preparedness, early warning systems, and pandemic response worldwide.
Celestine Kemunto Nyamari reflects on her journey from Kenya to Stellenbosch University through the African STARS Fellowship. Working at the intersection of molecular biology, biotechnology, genomics, and cervical cancer research, she explores how African-led science can address local health challenges. Her story highlights the importance of collaboration, community, and pan-African partnerships in strengthening research capacity and improving health outcomes across the continent.
Joel Kabugo shares his journey from Uganda to Stellenbosch University through the African STARS Fellowship, highlighting his work in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases. His research focuses on improving access to diagnostics, tackling antimicrobial resistance, strengthening health systems, and expanding African representation in genomics research to address pressing public health challenges across the continent.
Researchers are calling for stronger surveillance of hantaviruses in Africa, warning that climate change, land-use change, and limited monitoring may increase the risk of future outbreaks. Improved detection, research, and One Health approaches could help identify and prevent spillover events before they become larger public health threats
Through hands-on activities and direct engagement with researchers, learners gained practical insight into genomics and the role it plays in understanding health, disease, and scientific discovery.
The Wastewater & Environmental Surveillance Meeting 2026 in Ghana brought together researchers from across Africa to explore how wastewater data can support disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, and public health decision-making.
