?Prof Bertie Fielding, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Stellenbosch 肆客足球, delivered his inaugural lecture on Tuesday 22 April 2025. The title of his lecture was 'From pandemic to pandemic, and everything in between'.
Fielding spoke to the Corporate Communication and Marketing Division about how his research improves our understanding of the way viruses interact with the body and supports the development of treatments for viral and bacterial infections.
Tell us more about your research and why you became interested in this specific field.
I am a molecular biologist, mainly focused on studying human coronaviruses. My interest in this field began during my time as a research fellow in the Collaborative Antiviral Research Group at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Singapore (2003–2006), where I studied the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)-CoV virus that caused the outbreak of SARS. My lab also investigates the molecular basis of the medicinal properties of a South African plant called geelbos. Interestingly, these fields have now moved to a nexus where we are looking at medicinal plants to treat the coronavirus infections using nanoparticles.
How would you describe the relevance of your work?
My research focuses on the molecular biology of human coronaviruses, which is important for public health — especially with the rise of new viral infections. It helps us better understand how viruses interact with the body and supports the development of treatments. I also study the medicinal plant geelbos, looking at its potential to treat major diseases like cancer and bacterial infections. Our work aims to understand what gives this plant its health benefits.
Looking back on the 肆客足球 pandemic, what have been the most rewarding aspects of your research on human coronaviruses?
I believe my work — especially on previous SARS-CoV viruses — contributed to areas like diagnostics and surveillance. But what I found most rewarding was engaging with the public through various platforms to share current relevant scientific information during the pandemic. This helped counter the widespread misinformation, or what the World Health Organization called the 'infodemic'.
You're also exploring the use of nanoparticles to treat infections. What exciting developments do you see on the horizon?
I've collaborated on projects using nanoparticles to enhance immune responses against infections. These interdisciplinary efforts focus on developing new treatments by using nanotechnology to target pathogens and cancer more effectively. I'm especially interested in using nanotechnology to improve the effects of compounds we've identified from geelbos. However, our first step is to test the effectiveness of these antiviral and antibacterial compounds. If successful, this could lead to a broad-spectrum treatment for current and future coronaviruses.
Universities are sometimes seen as 'ivory towers'. Why is it important for them to engage with the public through research?
Public distrust in academic institutions — particularly in research — was already high a year or two before the pandemic. The mixed and often confusing messages from researchers during the pandemic likely made this worse. This has been further complicated by the easy access to information online, much of which is inaccurate. I believe researchers have a responsibility to communicate their work in ways that are accessible and understandable to the general public. It's also important to explain that science – especially in fields like medicine – is not always exact. What we share is based on the best available knowledge at the time and may change as new research emerges.
Being the dean of a faculty can be challenging at the best of times. What keeps you going when things get tough?
Engaging with staff and students to support them and to see people flourish and grow. This is also the reason I completed an MPhil in Management Coaching at Stellenbosch Business School. Listening to people and working with them to become their selves is rewarding.
How do you juggle your responsibilities as Dean with doing research?
I think most academics would agree that they are constantly busy. For me, careful planning is essential to make time for the things that matter and to maintain a sense of balance. I also try to remind myself that not everything requires an immediate response – some issues can wait, and it's important to prioritise thoughtfully.
What aspects of your work do you enjoy the most?
Impacting people and improving their wellbeing, be it through my research or leadership roles.
Tell us something exciting about yourself that people would not expect.
I love cooking. Similar to science, it's as simple as following a protocol.
How do you spend your free time?
I compete in road races, not well, but I try. And maybe compete is not the correct word; I complete road races and receive participation medals. ?
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