Afdeling Molekulêre Biologie & Mensgenetika
?Research: Immunology
Team: Management
Principle Investigator
The leader of the Immunology group, Prof Gerhard Walzl, is an Internationally acclaimed researcher (Immunologist) with more than 50 publications in high impact journals. He is also a part-time consultant physician and pulmonologist in the Lung Unit at Tygerberg Academic Hospital. Prof Walzl, together wih his research team comprised of qualified senior scientists, post-doctoral fellows, research assistants and technologists, strives to bridge the divide between clinical disciplines and basic sciences.
Office Tel: 021 9389158
Senior Scientist
Dr Katharina Ronacher completed her undergraduate studies and obtained an MSc degree from the 肆客足球 of Vienna, Austria, in 1999, followed by a PhD degree from the 肆客足球 of Cape Town in 2003. During her PhD studies as well as during her post-doctoral training at the 肆客足球 of Stellenbosch (2003-2006) she investigated the molecular mechanisms of hormone action. In 2006 Katharina joined the IRG as Senoir Researcher and has since set up her research group using her expertise in molecular endocrinology combined with the knowledge pool of the IRG. She currently focuses on the interplay between the hormone and the immune system in the context of TB and other infectious diseases, which is an up to now neglected research area. Additionally Katharina works together with Prof Gerhard Walzl in the TB biomarker field. Her work has resulted in 15 peer reviewed international publications to date. She is an NRF rated scientist (Y) and registered with the HPCSA as Medical Biological Scientist (Immunology and Biochemistry).
Office Tel: 021 9389069
Laboratory Manager
The laboratory manager, Belinda Kriel, supervises all activities that occur within the laboratory. This includes the scheduling of staff, implementation of proper laboratory procedures and standard operating procedures according to ISO15189, and equipment management.
Lab Tel: 021 9389786
Administration & Quality Assurance Management
The Quality Assurance team consists of Liesel Muller and Lizaan Ehlers. They are responsible for establishing and maintaining the quality system essentials for SUN-IRG. Our aim is to maintain a quality assurance program which complies to ISO 15189 to ensure proper handling and processing of clinical samples. Quality Assurance includes all the activities undertaken by our group to ensure that reliable and accurate testing and research is undertaken at all times. These activities include document control, laboratory audits, managment review, sampling, handling and storage of samples, control of non-conforming work, complaints, corrective actions, as well as technical and quality records. This is accomplished through a continuing program to improve upon operational systems and procedures.
Office Tel: 021 9389839
Database Management
The database managers, Prof Gian van der Spuy and Kim Stanley, assist with the organisation, storage and access to information within databases, as well as modelling and designing in-house databases to meet the needs of the study. Apart from building new databases, they are also in charge of monitoring data entry procedures.
Office Tel: 021 9389402
