The Dean and Head of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) School of Medicine, Professor Refiloe Masekela, launched the Medical School’s monthly Brown Bag Research Presentation Series which continues to position the Institution as a hub of academic excellence and clinical innovation committed to transforming health outcomes through education, research and service.
Masekela emphasised the School’s vision to be globally recognised for excellence in research, education, and clinical practice delivered in a collegial and effective environment and always grounded in the realities and needs of our local context.
Masekela explained that the round-robin series provides a platform for leading researchers, together with early-career and experienced academics, to share insights into their research and clinical career journeys, encourage collaboration and identify new research opportunities.
The first presentation, titled: ‘Beyond Data: Building Research Capacity and Collaborations’, was delivered by Chief Specialist and Head of UKZN’s Discipline of Psychiatry and Behavioural Medicine, Associate Professor Bonga Chiliza.
The Head of UKZN’s Nephrology Discipline and Chief Specialist at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Professor Alain Assounga presented on the topic: ‘Combination of Clinical Work with Research Work: Opportunities and Challenges – Personal Experience’.
The Head of Trauma, Burns and Trauma Critical Care at UKZN, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Professor Timothy Hardcastle also impressed online and in-person attendees with his presentation on the topic: ‘The Surgeon and Research Leadership – Building Global Capacity at UKZN’.
UKZN Honorary Professor and Academic Head of the Paediatrics Infectious Diseases Unit at Victoria Mxenge Hospital, Professor Moherndran Archary presented on the topic: ‘Observation to Evidence: Role of the Clinician Scientist’.
UKZN Research Professor, also serving in a role to develop a traditional/natural medicine programme at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Professor Nceba Gqaleni shared key insights on the topic: ‘Gems and Nuggets from Research in Traditional Medicine’.
Masekela said the Brown Bag Presentations, later nicknamed ‘skhaftin’ sessions – a slang word for a lunchbox or a portable food container – were underpinned by the School’s core values:
- Excellence in everything we do from the laboratory to the lecture hall to the bedside.
- Innovation that advances knowledge, improves care, and shapes the future of health.
- Equity in access, opportunity, and outcomes for all communities we serve.
- Collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and borders to amplify impact.
- Accountability to our mission, our people, and our shared future.”
“We recognise that our success depends on strong, meaningful partnerships, together with our key stakeholder, the Department of Health,” said Masekela.
She said these partnerships strengthen engagement with hospitals, students, communities, researchers and funders while helping the School advance Medical education, research, and healthcare.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photographs: Supplied
