South African bats are losing their trees, UP research shows

Posted on December 18, 2021

Research at UP is looking at how tree harvesting is causing the destruction of natural habitat, bringing wild animals like bats into closer contact with humans than ever before and leading to increased risk of new zoonotic diseases.

South Africa’s cave-dwelling bats need more protection – to keep people safe too

Posted on December 02, 2021

Caves are overlooked but essential parts of the natural world. Many animals use caves for shelter and for raising their young – bats among them. Caves are often home to multiple bat species. Bats may also use different caves for specific reasons; some travel to particular selected caves,...

University of Pretoria expert to lead WHO group probing origins of novel pathogens including COVID-19

Posted on November 26, 2021

UP’s Prof Marietjie Venter has been selected to chair the international scientific advisory team appointed by the WHO to probe the origins of novel pathogens including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Prof. Wanda Markotter on the global commitment of One Health

Posted on November 04, 2021

The Global Governance Project, supported by the World Health Organization, has launched the “Health: A Political Choice” publication in October 2021 to reflect and discuss the challenges and solutions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Pretoria’s own Prof....

#WomenofUP: UP hosts third annual Women in Science Symposium

Posted on August 30, 2021

UP recently hosted its recent third annual Women in Science Symposium, which highlighted the efforts of women in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the global pandemic.

Eight UP academics and science centre Sci-Enza selected as finalists for NSTF-South32 Awards

Posted on June 03, 2021

Congratulations to the eight UP academics and the University’s science centre, Sci-Enza, for being selected as finalists in the 2020/2021 National Science and Technology Forum’s NSTF-South32 Awards.

UP’s Prof Wanda Markotter joins world One Health panel of experts to prevent future pandemics

Posted on May 25, 2021

UP's Prof Wanda Markotter is one of 26 global experts chosen to provide science-based advice to the One Health High-Level Expert Panel, a UN initiative.

Health-People-Places Chair will strengthen UP’s science leadership in Africa

Posted on May 19, 2021

“A strong focus is mentoring young academics in this transdisciplinary space and expanding resources,” says Prof Wanda Markotter. Prof Markotter, Director of the UP’s Centre for Viral Zoonoses, has been appointed as Future Africa Research Chair on Health-People-Places....