UKZN Scientist Highly Honoured by Prestigious US National Academy of Medicine

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Professor Thumbi Ndung’u has been selected as a member of the United States National Academy of Medicine (NAM) - one of the highest global honours in health and medicine, reserved for individuals demonstrating exceptional professional achievements and dedication to public service.

Ndung’u is UKZN’s Scientific Director of the HIV Pathogenesis Programme, South African Research Chair in Systems Biology of HIV/AIDS and the Victor Daitz Chair in HIV/TB Research.

This announcement came during NAM’s annual meeting where 100 new members were welcomed.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UKZN Professor Nana Poku sent a congratulatory message which read: ‘Professor Ndung’u’s election to NAM not only celebrates his distinguished career but also brings global recognition to UKZN for its leadership in HIV and TB research. This honour affirms the University’s pivotal role in advancing health science and reinforces our position as a centre of excellence in medical research. We are profoundly proud of this achievement which will undoubtedly inspire emerging researchers at UKZN and in the wider scientific community.’

Ndung’u’s election recognises his ground-breaking research, including his pioneering work in creating the first primary isolate infectious molecular clone of HIV-1 subtype C, a milestone in studying viral-host interactions that drive disease.

NAM also celebrated his contributions to identifying HIV-1 subtype C immune vulnerabilities crucial for developing candidate vaccines and immunotherapies as well as his leadership in Africa’s first HIV cure trial.

Expressing his gratitude, Ndung’u said: ‘I am deeply honoured to be elected to the National Academy of Medicine. This recognition is a testament not only to my work but to the incredible teams and collaborators I have had the privilege to work alongside. Together, we continue to strive toward advancing scientific research that will lead to solutions for some of our most pressing health challenges.’

Ndung’u also holds key roles as the Director for Basic and Translational Science at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Director of the Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE), and Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University College, London.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Supplied