Krisp

01/06/2026

What happens when you combine curious young minds, strawberries, candy, and DNA science?

On Friday, KRISP welcomed 30 Grade 11 learners from IkamvaYouth's Chesterville Branch for a fun-filled day of science exploration and discovery.

Learners from Umkhumbane Secondary School, Chesterville Secondary School, Wiggins Secondary School, and Bonela Secondary School learnt about university opportunities, bursaries, DNA, viruses, and the exciting careers available in science and research.

The learners then got hands-on, extracting DNA from strawberries and building their own virus models using candy!

The impact of the day was perhaps best summed up by two of the learners:

"Today was such a constructive day. We learnt about DNA and even extracted it from strawberries. The experience has re-evoked my love for science," said Vusi Maundlane.

"I've never really been interested in science before, but after today, I had so much fun and want to know more about science and how I can use it to help others," said Thalente Mqono.

As part of the DIPLOMICS Ignite outreach initiative, the programme helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world science, showing learners how genomics can be used to solve challenges in health, agriculture, biodiversity, and the environment. UKZN's College of Health Sciences

A huge thank you to DIPLOMICS and Technology Innovation Agency for making initiatives like this possible.

We can't wait to see where these future scientists go next!

Interested in learning more about the DIPLOMICS Ignite programme and how it is helping young South Africans discover the exciting world of genomics and DNA science?

Find out more here: https://www.diplomics.org.za/initiatives/ignite

15/05/2026

A proud day for KRISP and African science.

We congratulate Prof. Tulio de Oliveira on receiving the Presidential Order of Mapungubwe in Gold — one of South Africa’s highest national honours — recognising his leadership in genomic surveillance and public health innovation across Africa.

This achievement reflects years of collaboration, scientific excellence, and the collective efforts of teams and institutions working to strengthen Africa’s ability to respond to infectious disease threats.

As Prof de Oliveira said: “This was a team effort.”

We are proud to stand alongside our partners and collaborators across the continent in advancing world-class African science. UKZN's College of Health Sciences Technology Innovation Agency

Read the full press release here:
https://ceri.africa/news/prof-tulio-de-oliveira-receives-presidential-order-of-mapungubwe-in-gold-for-african-genomic-surveillance-leadership/

08/05/2026

Opportunity at KRISP!

KRISP at UKZN's College of Health Sciences is seeking to appoint a highly motivated Bioinformatics Postdoctoral Fellow to join our team in Durban, South Africa.

The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge genomic research projects focused on diseases of critical public health importance across Africa, while working alongside leading scientists and clinicians in the field.

Interested applicants should submit:
• A comprehensive CV
• A motivation letter addressing the requirements of the position

⏰ Applications close at 17h00 on 22 May 2026.

Please see the attached advert for full details, eligibility criteria, and application instructions.

30/03/2026

20/03/2026

Leading from the front, as always!! Congratulations Dr. Giandhari 😎🙌🔬

03/03/2026

The latest GEM magazine is out!

This edition highlights a powerful idea: health is interconnected. From genomics and ecology to surveillance and delivery, CERI and KRISP's One Health approach is shaping solutions for real-world African contexts.

We celebrate outstanding fellowship achievements and welcome new expertise strengthening public health innovation.

Read it here: https://issuu.com/the.gem/docs/the_gem_feb_2026

17/12/2025

Today, we say farewell to three wonderful members of the KRISP team.

A heartfelt thank you to Amsha, one of our Postdoctoral Researchers, and Kisharia and Mulalo, our 2025 DIPLOMICS Interns, for your dedication, enthusiasm, and valuable contributions throughout the year. You’ve each played an important role in strengthening our team and advancing our work.

We hope this experience has inspired and equipped you for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. This is not goodbye — just until we meet again. We wish you every success in your future endeavours.

UKZN's College of Health Sciences

11/12/2025

Well done to the quiz team for another great showing at the CHS Annual Quiz!!

In winning spirit, “The KRISPmas Elves” from Krisp are in the house!

08/12/2025

KRISP End-of-Year Celebration! 🎉

Last week, the KRISP team enjoyed a wonderful end-of-year function at Coastlands Hotel in Musgrave. It was the perfect chance to relax, get into the holiday spirit, and reflect on all we’ve achieved throughout 2025.

We shared great food, laughed through a fun Secret Santa gift exchange, and celebrated the teamwork that makes everything we do possible. From major research milestones to impactful training and outreach, it’s been an incredible year — made even better by the people behind the work.

A huge thank you to the entire KRISP family! Wishing everyone a safe and restful festive season.

21/11/2025

KRISP Stands in Solidarity Against Gender-Based Violence

Today, 21 November, KRISP supports the organisations and citizens across South Africa protesting against gender-based violence (GBV).

GBV remains one of the most urgent and devastating crises facing our country. Women and girls continue to experience violence at alarming rates, and the need for meaningful intervention, accountability, and real action from government and society has never been greater.

As an institute dedicated to improving public health and advancing social justice through research, we believe that safety, dignity, and equality are non-negotiable. We add our voice to the national call:

🟣 Stop violence against women.
🟣 Prioritise protection, prevention, and justice.
🟣 Hold perpetrators and institutions accountable.

Change is overdue—and it requires all of us!