Governance of the IDM

The IDM is one of three University of Cape Town (UCT) research institutes accredited by the University Research Committee (URC). The governance structure of the IDM is designed to ensure efficient management, strategic oversight, and operational excellence.

Governing Board

The IDM Governing Board provides high-level governance and strategic direction to the Institute. It reports to the University Senate through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation, ensuring alignment with UCT’s broader research objectives. The Board’s membership comprises key stakeholders from across the university and the Institute:

• Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences
• Dean of the Faculty of Science
• IDM Director (ex officio)
• IDM Deputy Directors (ex officio)
• Two Full IDM Members, elected by the IDM Membership

International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC)

To maintain the IDM’s scientific excellence and global relevance, the International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC) advises the Governing Board on strategic and scientific matters. The ISAC comprises distinguished international scientists from leading global institutions:

• Frank Slack (Chair) – Director of the Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine & Director of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) Cancer Research Institute, USA
• Alash’le Abimiku – Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria & University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA
• Sir Tom L. Blundell – Department of Biochemistry, Director of Research, University of Cambridge, UK
• Ken Duncan – Global Health Discovery, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, USA
• Andrew Kambugu – Infectious Diseases Institute, University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
• Alberto Kornblihtt – Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Lynn Morris – NICD & University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Malik Peiris – University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Leadership and Management

The IDM’s executive team ensures the effective implementation of policy and the pursuit of the Institute’s objectives.

IDM Director

The IDM Director is an academic based within an academic department and is responsible for securing funding, driving the scientific agenda and promoting the IDM’s objectives. The Director reports to the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, who in turn reports to the Chair of the URC

• Current Director: Professor Digby Warner (appointed January 2024)

Deputy Directors

The IDM currently has two Deputy Directors. The Deputy Director: Research is an academic staff member appointed on a three-year term, to support the Director in fundraising and driving research projects within the IDM. The Deputy Director: Enterprise is a Professional, Administrative, Support and Service (PASS) staff member, who supports the Director and is responsible for finance and business operations at the IDM. 

• Deputy Director: Research, Professor Wendy Burgers
• Deputy Director: Enterprise, Dr Christle De Beer

Biosafety, Research Infrastructure and Compliance Specialist

This role is undertaken by a PASS Sci/Tech staff member, appointed at the level of Principal Technical Officer, who supports the Director in maintaining the compliance of the Institute and adherence to international standards in health and safety, and biosafety. Furthermore this role is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the research infrastructure at the IDM ensuring continued operation. 

The Executive Committee (ExCo):

The IDM ExCo is appointed by the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences after consultation with the Director. The ExCo meets quarterly, and is chaired by the Director. 

ExCo includes:

• Digby Warner, Director
• Wendy Burgers, Deputy Director: Research
• Christle de Beer, Deputy Director: Enterprise
• A representative from the office of the Deputy Dean Research, at the Faculty of Health Sciences
• Selisha Naidoo, Biosafety, Research Infrastructure and Compliance Specialist
• Jonathan Blackburn, Chair of the Space and Facilities Committee
• Four IDM Members, selected by the Director in consultation with the Dean

The governance of the IDM is structured to ensure scientific excellence, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. Through its Governing Board, International Scientific Advisory Committee, Executive team, and Executive Committee, the IDM remains a dynamic and forward-thinking research institute, contributing significantly to global health challenges and scientific innovation.