Professor Tivani Mashamba-Thompson, Deputy Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria, has made a remarkable leap in her academic career, advancing her National Research Foundation (NRF) rating from Y2 to C1—skipping multiple levels (Y1, C3, and C2) in the process. She is also among the top 10 most cited researchers at the University of Pretoria, significantly contributing to its international rankings. This outstanding milestone reflects her dedication to academic excellence and commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment.

Earning a C1 NRF rating is a testimony to Prof. Mashamba-Thompson’s sustained research impact and international recognition. A leading authority in point-of-care diagnostics and evidence synthesis research, she has made significant strides since joining UP in 2021. She established the REASSURED Diagnostics Research Group, a highly productive initiative dedicated to advancing diagnostic research. This group has played a crucial role in fostering collaboration among stakeholders to drive the development and sustainable implementation of diagnostic technologies tailored for resource-limited settings and underserved populations.

Her achievement is even more remarkable considering she attained this distinction while serving in multiple leadership roles, including as a university executive, a member of the National Laboratory Services Board, and the National Health Research Committee—during one of the most challenging periods in recent history, the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst these responsibilities, she remained committed in her efforts to transform the research landscape, ensuring continuity and progress in the faculty’s research endeavours despite the disruptions of the pandemic.

One of Prof. Mashamba-Thompson’s most impactful contributions to the University is the establishment of the Research Support Hub, a transformative initiative providing faculty and postgraduate students with vital resources, mentorship, and collaborative platforms to enhance their research. She has also been instrumental in enabling UP’s leadership in the National Cancer Research and Innovation Strategy in partnership with the South African Medical Research Council and the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology. Additionally, her efforts have strengthened support for NRF rating applicants, leading to a substantial increase in applications from the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Her ability to seamlessly balance administrative responsibilities, ground-breaking research, and mentorship underscores her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the faculty’s research agenda. This achievement not only elevates the faculty’s research standing but also serves as an inspiration to colleagues, students, and the broader academic community.

Her advancement from a Y2 to a C1 rating highlights her perseverance and scholarly impact, cementing her status as a leading researcher in her field. As she continues to shape the future of research and postgraduate studies, her work is expected to leave a lasting impact on both academia and the broader scientific community.