2025 Wits School of Therapeutic Sciences Biennial Research Day
- FHS Communications
The 2025 School of Therapeutic Sciences Biennial Research Day, held on 2 September at the Wits Education Campus, brought together staff, invited guests, postgraduate students, industry representatives, and clinicians under the compelling theme “Resilient Health Systems in Public Health Crisis.” The event served as a vibrant platform for showcasing cutting-edge research and facilitating collaboration among postgraduate students and academic staff.
Caption: School of Therapeutic Sciences staff and students
With over 80 abstracts submitted, the day began in the School of Public Health Auditorium, where renowned researcher Professor Glenda Gray delivered a thought-provoking keynote address titled “Can the Afrikan Continent Contribute to HIV Vaccine R&D?” Her insights set the tone for a day of dynamic engagement and scholarly exchange.
Caption: Head of School, Professor Hellen Myezwa and keynote speaker, Professor Glenda Gray.
Participants then dispersed across four parallel oral presentation sessions, followed by two engaging poster sessions. A highlight of the day was the roundtable discussion on “Predictive Analytics in Healthcare,” expertly facilitated by Amanda Olivier. The panel featured thought leaders Ronelle Klinck, Eileen du Plooy, Prof. Pradeep Kumar, Karin Olivier, and Oluwarotimi Randle, who explored the transformative potential of data-driven approaches in improving healthcare outcomes.
The event concluded with a forward-looking keynote by Professor Aletta Millen, who outlined the Faculty’s strategic plan for research, innovation and priorities for future growth.
Congratulations to the winners of the day’s presentations:
Oral Presentation Winners:
- Professor Pradeep Kumar – Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- Kate Da Silva – Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Poster Presentation Winners:
- Adjunct Professor Matty van Niekerk – Occupational Therapy
- Alberta Amissah Nyarko – Physiotherapy