Director's
Message
Welcome to the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University.
At CERI, we are driven by a bold and urgent mission: to strengthen Africa's ability to detect, respond to, and ultimately prevent epidemics through world-class science, innovation, and collaboration. Our work is grounded in a simple belief that science can save lives, and that Africa can and should lead in shaping its own public health future.
Since our establishment in 2021, CERI has grown into a vibrant, transdisciplinary community of scientists, students, health professionals, and partners who share a commitment to excellence. From genomic surveillance and immunology to data science, modelling and social science, every team at CERI contributes to powerful, real-world impact.
We operate at the intersection of science, public health, and innovation — developing powerful tools for pathogen tracking, outbreak response, and future-focused biomedical discovery.
CERI brings together multidisciplinary teams across Stellenbosch University and global partners to develop powerful tools for pathogen tracking, outbreak response, and future-focused biomedical discovery. This transdisciplinary approach allows us to tackle complex health challenges with precision, creativity, and impact.
What defines CERI is not only the excellence of our research, but the values that guide it: curiosity, collaboration, diversity, integrity, and a commitment to producing work that improves lives. We believe that science must remain connected to the communities it serves, and that Africa's scientific ecosystem is uniquely positioned to drive global innovation in public health.
As we continue to grow, our focus remains steadfast, supporting Africa and the world in building resilient health systems, enabling rapid epidemic response, and generating knowledge that endures. CERI is not just a research centre; it is a catalyst for change, powered by people who are passionate about shaping a healthier future.
Whether you are visiting us as a student, researcher, collaborator, or supporter, you are engaging with a community that is shaping the future of public health in Africa and beyond.