Renowned KZN Aids researcher to head World Academy of Sciences
Internationally-renowned
Aids researcher Quarraisha Abdool Karim says she is humbled to be elected
president of the World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in
developing countries.
She's become the first woman to step into the role, and the seventh person to do so at the global science institution.
The infectious diseases expert from KZN says while the academy has made significant progress in developing countries, there's a lot more that needs to be done.
"As you can imagine, for a person who grew up on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, this is just an amazing accomplishment.
"I feel very honoured and privileged and I am looking forward to making a contribution to this important organantsation that advances science and technology and innovation to bridge some of the gaps that we have in our society."
Professor Abdool Karim says her new role will also serve as an opportunity to search for solutions to current and new challenges in vulnerable communities.
"There is at least three ways we can do that, the one is by creating opportunities through dialogue with decision-makers in terms of being more engaged and continuing to invest in young investigators, creating opportunities for them to train."
