Prof Shane Norris

Shane Norris is a South African health scientist based at the University of the Witwatersrand, widely recognised for leadership in maternal, child, and adolescent health research. His work integrates epidemiology, clinical science, and population health, with strong involvement in large international collaborations such as the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative and the AWI-Gen consortium.

His research focuses on the developmental origins of health and disease, examining how preconception, pregnancy, and early-life exposures shape later cardiometabolic risk. Recent publications address obesity phenotypes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, HIV, menopause, and insulin sensitivity, highlighting the intersecting burdens of infectious and non-communicable diseases in African populations.

Norris also contributes to behavioural and public health research, including studies on COVID-19 responses, breastfeeding, food insecurity, and adolescent mental health. Through harmonised cohorts and multi-country studies, his work advances evidence for early prevention strategies and informs policy aimed at improving lifelong health trajectories in diverse and transitioning settings.