IDM Seminar Program

Wednesday, 18 February 2026 | 13:00 - 14:00
Wolfson Pavilion Lecture Theatre, IDM Building
 

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Speakers: 

IDM Sustainability Working Group Co-chair: Yulisha Naidoo
Yulisha Naidoo is the Research Visibility Officer at the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM). She leads communications and engagement for the Institute’s Sustainable Science Initiative, advancing environmentally responsible research practices through storytelling, collaboration, and institutional change.

IDM Transformation Working Group Co-chair: Anna-Ursula Happel
IDM Associate Member Anna-Ursula Happel is a translational scientist focused on developing locally implementable intervention strategies to improve maternal & child health in Southern Africa. She is passionate about creating enabling environments and mentoring the next generation of African scientists. As such, she chairs the Transformation Working Group to promote diversity, equity, and inclusivity across the IDM community.
 

IDM Education Working Group Co-chair: Virginie Rozot

A/Prof Virginie Rozot is a researcher at the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI), IDM, University of Cape Town. Her work focuses on human immunology and tuberculosis. Since January 2025, she has served as Chair of the IDM Education Committee, supporting the development of innovative educational programmes.
 

IDM Accountability Working Group Chair: Mel Chengalroyen
Melissa Chengalroyen is a senior researcher in the Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, where she leads research on mycobacterial metabolism and TB drug discovery.

IDM Mentorship Working Group Chair: Simon Mendelsohn
Simon Mendelsohn is a Clinical Investigator and Associate Professor at the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI), UCT. He chairs the IDM Mentorship Working Group, which delivers structured, inclusive mentorship through mentor–mentee partnerships, career development events, seminars, and initiatives such as the Beyond the Bench series and writing retreats.