The University of Pretoria’s Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM) marked a decade of pioneering discovery, scientific leadership, and trans-disciplinary collaboration at a celebratory event held on 15 October 2025. Since its inception, the ICMM has become a national powerhouse in translational research, turning laboratory insights into clinical and societal impact and shaping the landscape of cellular and molecular medicine in South Africa.

Founded initially at Netcare Hospital before relocating to the University of Pretoria in 2008, the ICMM has grown into a cornerstone of South African biomedical research. In his keynote address, “A Decade of Excellence: The ICMM Story,” ICMM Director Professor Michael Pepper reflected on the Institute’s remarkable journey, not in numbers alone, but in spirit, purpose, and people.

“I’d like to use this time to convey the spirit of the ICMM,” he said. “It’s not going to come through in terms of the number of publications, students, or money raised. It’s something much more important: it’s the spirit of the people that makes this structure sustainable.”

Pepper traced the origins of the ICMM to 2005, crediting Professor Dion du Plessis, the former Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, for his instrumental role in shaping the early vision. The Institute’s dedicated laboratory space was completed in 2012, transforming a cluster of dusty rooms in the Pathology Building into a world-class research hub. It was officially inaugurated in 2015 by then Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey.

Today, the ICMM stands as a model of transdisciplinary and translational research. Shortly after its inauguration, seven of the University’s nine faculties collaborated within its programmes. Uniquely, the Institute conducts research exclusively using patient-derived cells and samples, ensuring strong alignment between laboratory work and clinical realities.

Over the years, the ICMM has published between 20 and 30 papers annually, supported more than a decade of postgraduate training, raised nearly R200 million in research funding, and contributed to the creation of several biotechnology start-ups. Yet Pepper insists the true heart of the ICMM lies elsewhere:

“It really is the people, the very talented people. Their dedication and hard work are what have kept us on track.”

A major theme of Pepper’s address was the South African research environment, which he described as one defined by profound contrasts. The country’s unparalleled genetic diversity, high disease burden, and deep socio-economic inequality create complex challenges—but also extraordinary scientific opportunities.

These realities have shaped the ICMM’s research priorities, ensuring that its work remains relevant to national health needs. From HIV gene therapy and cancer genetics to stem cell science and susceptibility to infectious diseases, the Institute continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in precision and regenerative medicine.

Pepper highlighted cutting-edge advances in universal donor cell technologies, haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, and induced pluripotent stem cell research – fields that hold potential to dramatically expand access to future therapies. He also pointed to the rise of ICMM-linked biotech companies, including Antion Biosciences and Altera Biosciences, which have the potential to transform academic discoveries into commercial innovations with global reach.

The ICMM’s commitment to ethics, equity, and access has remained central throughout its evolution. Pepper underscored the importance of ensuring that sophisticated biomedical technologies benefit all South Africans, not only those with financial means, a guiding principle intertwined with the Institute’s work on universal health coverage.

As he concluded, Pepper reminded attendees that scientific excellence ultimately exists within the context of human wellbeing:

“Although we have the privilege of working in this exciting molecular space, we have to remember the basics—a good night’s sleep, exercise, healthy food, and, most importantly, the friendships and relationships that sustain us.”

The event also featured a special guest address by Dr Janine Scholefield, Research Group Leader for Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics at the CSIR. Drawing on her work in genomics and drug discovery, she emphasised the global scientific and economic importance of embedding African genetic diversity into research and development pipelines.

Using accessible metaphors, Dr. Scholefield illustrated why Africa represents the “genetic trunk” of humanity – home to more genetic variation than any other region– and why relying solely on data from non-African populations undermines both scientific accuracy and health outcomes.

She cautioned that pharmaceutical pipelines built on narrow population samples produce ineffective or even harmful treatments for diverse global populations, noting disparities in clinical trials, drug metabolism, and representation in research tools such as induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines.

Her message was clear and powerful: “Whether you want to do good, or you want to make money, it just makes sense to increase the diversity of your biological samples.”

Dr Scholefield also underscored the urgency of building pan-African cellular models and accelerating the development of physiologically relevant, genetically accurate stem cell lines – tools that can reshape global drug discovery and ensure that Africa is not only included but recognised as a source of future health solutions.

The event also featured a special guest address by Dr Joanne van Harmelen, Partner at Adams & Adams, who spoke on “Translating science into impact: reflections on IP, entrepreneurship, and innovation in South Africa.” Drawing on her extensive experience working with universities and life sciences innovators, she highlighted how intellectual property drives commercialisation, collaboration, and societal contribution. She emphasised that early IP awareness, strong university–industry partnerships, and proactive management of intangible assets are essential for turning research into real-world solutions.

Cardiologist and BrandMed Group CEO, Dr. Riaz Motara, delivered a compelling address titled, “Digital Health Technology: An Enabler for Better Patient Outcomes”. Drawing on his 12-year journey in digital health, Dr Motara described how a humbling BBC interview on South Africa’s high rates of uncontrolled hypertension pushed him to rethink healthcare delivery and develop one of the world’s first remote blood-pressure monitoring solutions. He highlighted the alarming rise of cardiometabolic disease, noting that 75% of national healthcare spending goes to just 10 chronic diseases, most linked to obesity, and argued that the traditional siloed approach to treating conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity is failing patients. Demonstrating new AI-assisted tools, including smartphone-based diagnostics and body composition assessment, he illustrated how data-driven, integrated systems can reshape patient outcomes at scale. “Technology isn’t the cure, it’s the catalyst,” he said. “If we can combine digital tools with a more holistic understanding of why people become ill, we can transform chronic care and give millions of South Africans a real chance at better health.”

Highlights of the ICMM 10th Anniversary Celebration showcased the institute’s transdisciplinary research projects, including scientists Dr. Candice Hendricks on expanding access to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and advanced cellular therapies in South Africa; Prof. Melvin Ambele on mesenchymal stromal/stem cells at the forefront of obesity and cancer research; Dr. Chrisna Durandt on HIV’s impact on hematopoiesis; and Dr. Fatima Barmania on genomic strategies to reduce disease burden. Afternoon sessions featured scientists Dr. Rosemary Kabahuma exploring deafness genes in sub-Saharan Africa, Dr. Juanita Mellet on multi-omics approaches to understanding NESHIE, and Priyal Mistry investigating DNA methylation patterns in NESHIE, underscoring a decade of pioneering, cross-disciplinary innovation at the ICMM.