Prof. Collet Dandara is an Academic & Researcher in Human Genetics, with special skills in teaching, student supervision, mentorship of both students and colleagues and proposal writing for grants applications. Field of research is Pharmacogenomics, & Genetic Susceptibility to disease. Has extensive experience in designing courses/lectures and teaching Genomics. Has supervised to graduation at least 18 MSc students (by research), 11 PhD students and has hosted at least 7 Postdoctoral Research Fellows, and more than 25 Honours students; contributing massively to human capacity development. Has consciously trained a majority of female scientists and attracted students from the previously disadvantaged groups. Was recognised as a Finalist in the NSTF-Bilton Awards, in 2014, in the category of Human Capacity development. Is regularly approached to assist with external examination of courses and student theses, as testimony to national and international recognition in skills. Has published >150 publications in internationally peer-reviewed journals and accumulated an H-index of 29 (Google Scholar) or 24 (Scopus), and is considered, one of the leading experts in Pharmacogenomics Research on the African continent and internationally. Has a good understanding of the higher education system in South Africa & internationally, including the funding landscape. I have previously served the Advisory Committee Sub-Committee on GMOs, of the Dept. of Agriculture, South Africa (2008-2013). Integrally involved in transformation and was previously the Chair of the Transformation and Equity Committee in the faculty of Health Sciences, at the University of Cape Town. Serves on the South African Young Scientists Academy (SAYAS) selection committee. Internationally, Professor Dandara was nominated as a Young Affiliate of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). A Director in the African Pharmacogenomics Network (APN). Currently serves as a Board member of the SAMRC (2020-2023).
