Emerging academics Dr. Kuhlula Maluleke and Dr. Siphesihle Robin Nxele currently completing postdoctoral fellowship under REASSURED-d@UP research group at Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria have been selected as part of a cohort of researchers in the Rising Scholars: Breast Cancer programme, jointly launched by Springer Nature and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

Dr. Kuhlula Maluleke 

The programme, aimed at Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in the field of cancer, provides additional resources for professional development and career preparedness. The 25 researchers were chosen with a focus on Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and underserved communities from around the world as part of Springer Nature and BCRF’s continued commitment to fostering equity and advancing inclusive practices in scholarly research and publishing.

Dr. Siphesihle Robin Nxele 

This initiative, a result of over a decade-long partnership between Springer Nature and BCRF, addresses significant disparities in health outcomes and aims to empower researchers from Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and underserved communities worldwide. As part of the cohort, Dr Maluleke and Dr Nxele will receive an added incentive and four Nature Masterclasses with Nature editors and trainers to burnish their skills in scientific publishing and writing, communicating research to the public, and in data sharing and management. With the first Nature course scheduled to begin in late March, a further select group within the cohort will be provided with scientific editing services for their research papers.

Their participation highlights the University of Pretoria's dedication to supporting emerging talent and promoting impactful research in the fight against breast cancer.
"Dr. Maluleke and Dr. Nxele's designation as Rising Scholars in the Breast Cancer program stands as a testament to the University of Pretoria's steadfast dedication to fostering pioneering research talent. Their selection not only emphasizes their personal dedication to advancing their academic trajectories but also exemplifies our institution's unwavering commitment to propelling knowledge forward and effecting tangible change in global health. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to them for this thoroughly deserved acknowledgment and eagerly anticipate the transformative research they will spearhead in addressing complex health challenges, particularly within resource-constrained settings such as breast cancer.”, said Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies Prof Tivani Mashamba-Thompson in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria of Pretoria.

Andrea Macaluso, Nature Portfolio’s Director of Strategic Partnerships in the Americas, said: “We are thrilled to announce the Rising Scholars: Breast Cancer program. This endeavor represents a long-held objective to support ECRs at MSIs and in underserved communities with the resources to publish their work in high-impact journals. BCRF has been a phenomenal and consistent partner for Springer Nature and was the first nonprofit to work with Springer Nature in adopting our data research solutions. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are top strategic initiatives of Springer Nature. We are committed to supporting a diverse international research community.”

Dorraya El-Ashry, Chief Scientific Officer at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation said: “If we want to move the needle towards diversifying the workforce, we have to support early career scientists by explicitly honing in on MSIs. These interactive and engaging workshops provide the tools, techniques, and strategies that help researchers develop their skills, confidence, and careers while improving the researchers’ publication output,” El-Ashry explains. “When training and resources are available, authors can overcome a few key barriers in the publishing process, while sharpening effective data sharing and management.”

Previously, Springer Nature partnered with BCRF – a pioneer in leveraging high-impact publishing, to provide Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Early Career Women Researchers, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities with Nature Masterclasses on scholarly writing and publishing. The new Rising Scholars: Breast Cancer program will provide concrete qualitative and quantitative data as to the impact of such endeavors going forward.