
DIVISION OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND HUMAN GENETICS
Fostering knowledge-based solution to health challenges in Africa
Our division aims to bridge the gap between fundamental research and its clinical application in disease research and management, with focus on TB disease.
ABOUT US
Committed to Excellence
The Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics forms part of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science at Stellenbosch University located in Cape Town, South Africa. The Division houses two research centres, The South African Medical (SA MRC) Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research and the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis research (CBTBR). Our passionate and skilled team members are here to help students learn skills and techniques that will enable them to become successful professionals and make a valuable impact on the global health challenges.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
MBHG HIP HOP U SCIENCE SPAZA
January, 27-30
The TB Hip Hop U event, hosted by the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics (Stellenbosch University) will see scientists interact with learners from Cedar High School of the Arts in Mitchells Plain. The scientists will highlight TB as a health epidemic within the local community, whilst emphasizing the research efforts of the division and inspiring youth to pursue a career in science. The program promotes engagement and learning in science through the popular mediums of rap, hip hop and music. The placement of science within a popular culture space provides an opportunity for it to be owned by young people - rather than remaining foreign and inaccessible.

NEWS AND HEADLINES
The latest updates on recent events and activities of MBHG
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DR CAROLINE BELTRAN
Crick African Fellowship
Dr Caroline Beltran, a postdoctoral researcher within the SU Immunology Research Group at MBHG, has become the newest member of The Francis Crick Institute African Network. Caroline studies the characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) in its dormant state. When the disease is dormant, it ‘hides’ from the body’s immune system in lesions on organs called granulomas.
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During her fellowship, she will be working with the light microscopy team at the Crick to image granulomas and visualise the dormant TB. By seeing how the bacteria move within the granulomas, she hopes to build new models of TB which can be used to test new drugs and vaccines in the future.
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PROF NOVEL CHEGOU
SAMRC Scientific Merit Silver Award
Prof Novel Chegou, a senior scientist within the Stellenbosch Immunology Research Group at MBHG was honoured with a silver award at the SA Medical Research Council 50th Gala Event and Awards ceremony in recognition of research excellence.
Upon receipt of this award, Prof Chegou had the following to say to his fellow colleagues: "Dear all. Although it is my name that is written on the certificate, I want to let you know that this is your doing and therefore for you... You all should know that every little part that you play in the group is appreciated and without you, these awards wouldn't be possible. Thank you all."
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PROF CRAIG KINNEAR
SAMRC Scientific Merit Silver Award
Prof Craig Kinnear, a senior scientist within the Stellenbosch TB Host Genetics Research Group at MBHG was honoured with a silver award at the SA Medical Research Council 50th Gala Event and Awards ceremony for outstanding lifetime scientific contributions to health research. This award is a significant achievement and is a result of continuous hard work, innovative thinking and successful leadership.

INSTAGRAM FEED
@su_mbhg

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