Governance of the IDM

The Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (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 Director (ex officio)

• Two Full IDM Members, elected by the IDM Membership (currently Linda-Gail Bekker and Ed Rybicki)

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:

• Siamon Gordon (Chair) – Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, UK

• 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

• David Russell – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, New York, USA

• Malik Peiris – University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

• Frank Slack – Director of the Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine & Director of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) Cancer Research Institute, USA

Leadership and Management

The IDM’s leadership 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 implementing policy 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 Director

The Deputy Director, appointed on a three-year term, supports the Director and is responsible for financial and operational matters at the IDM. The Deputy Director is also an academic based within an academic department and reports to the Director.

• Deputy Director: Professor 

IDM Management Committee

The IDM Management Committee meets every two months and assists the Director in managing the Institute. It comprises representatives from the IDM membership and the Faculty of Health Sciences, ensuring robust oversight of IDM operations, finances, education, transformation, and research enterprise.

Current Committee Members:

• Valerie Mizrahi, Chair

• Jonathan Blackburn, Deputy Chair, reporting on IDM Operations and Finance

• Yolande Harley, Faculty of Health Sciences representative, Director of Faculty Research

• Jo-Ann Passmore, IDM Member, reporting on activities of the Education Committee (Chair)

• Muki Shey, IDM Member, reporting on activities of the Transformation Committee (Chair)

• Selisha Naidoo, IDM Health & Safety, Biosafety, and Facilities Manager

• Christle de Beer, IDM Research Enterprise Manager

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