Dr Bathabile Ramalapa

I am a biomaterials scientist and translational health innovation leader with extensive experience in biotherapeutics formulation, advanced drug delivery systems, and vaccine innovation for health applications in Africa. I hold a PhD in Chemicals Sciences from the University of Liege and another in Clinical and Experimental pharmacology from the University of Angers, I am also a fellow of Oxford University in Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship. My research work focuses on bridging fundamental materials science with applied biomedical solutions to address priority health challenges, including infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and pandemic preparedness. I am a principal researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and currently serves as Lead of the Biotherapeutics Formulation and Delivery Research Platform, where I drive multidisciplinary research programmes aimed at advancing biologics, vaccines, and nanotechnology-enabled therapeutic delivery systems from early research through translational development. My leadership emphasizes innovation pathways that enable scalable, locally relevant healthcare technologies. I am appointed as an Extraordinary Senior Lecturer in the Research Focus Area: Material Science Innovation and Modelling at North West University (NWU), where I contribute to postgraduate training, research supervision, and capacity development in biomaterials and health technologies. Her academic and research activities support the development of next-generation African scientists working at the interface of materials science and biomedical engineering. I lead collaborative programmes involving academia, industry, small and medium enterprises (SMMEs), and international partners to accelerate technology translation and strengthen regional biomanufacturing capacity. My work is driven by a commitment to developing sustainable, locally manufactured health solutions that improve equitable access to medicines and advanced therapies across Africa. I also serve as an emissary of the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa where I advocate for African science diplomacy, fostering global partnerships and promoting science-informed health policy.