DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research

DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research is a South African public research centre established in 2004 and hosted at Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape. It operates as a national centre of excellence dedicated to advancing biomedical research on tuberculosis and related infectious diseases, while strengthening regional research capacity and training.

Its publications reflect a strong focus on tuberculosis biology, diagnostics, and genomics, including studies on differentially culturable bacilli, alternative sampling strategies, and whole genome sequencing integration. Extensive work on mycobacteriophages highlights expertise in microbial genomics and host pathogen interactions, supporting innovation in TB research tools and models.

The centre also demonstrates agility in pandemic response through development of SARS CoV 2 biomimetics, variant specific PCR assays, and laboratory verification systems. These contributions underscore strengths in translational microbiology, molecular assay development, and capacity building across Southern Africa, reinforcing its leadership in infectious disease research.