Explore news, upcoming events and opportunities from the CMM AFRICA Unit and the wider mycology field.
UCT researchers join multi-million-pound fungal fight
Researchers at the University of Cape Town (UCT) are playing a leading role in a significant international collaboration to fast-track the understanding of fungal diseases that claim about 2.5 million lives each year.
The funding of £4.5 million (approximately R100 million) awarded by the Wellcome Trust will support the Mycology Bioimaging Initiative (MBI). This is a global effort to develop cutting-edge tools that allow scientists to visualise how dangerous fungal pathogens grow, spread and cause disease. UCT researchers, based in the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) and the Neuroscience Institute (NI), are central to the initiative, working alongside partners at the University of Exeter in England, and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
TB harnesses part of immune defence system to cause infection
Scientists from the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) have contributed to an international study that shed new light on why humans and animals are so susceptible to contracting tuberculosis (TB) – and it involves the bacteria harnessing part of the immune system meant to protect against infection.
Tackling deadly fungal threats: Global training empowers clinicians and lab technicians
Twenty-four clinicians and laboratory technicians have enrolled in a bespoke training programme designed to strengthen the diagnosis and treatment of deadly fungal diseases. With infections soaring globally and 2 million deaths every year, the programme was hugely oversubscribed as health professionals urgently seek to master early detection techniques that can save lives.
Fungal infections pose a significant and growing threat to global health, with the heaviest burden falling on low- and middle-income countries. The increasing number of new fungal cases appearing in hospitals worldwide is deeply alarming. The challenge is not only the severity of these infections but the difficulty in timely identification and accurate diagnosis. Early detection is critical; knowing whether a patient has a fungal infection is often the first step toward effective treatment. Now, for the second time, an interactive and practical course in Medical Mycology brings together clinicians and laboratory technicians. The course is designed to equip both groups with the skills to identify, diagnose, and treat fungal infections, while also fostering mutual understanding of each other’s roles and the unique challenges they face. By learning side by side, participants gain insight into the diagnostic and treatment processes from both clinical and laboratory perspectives, improving collaboration and resulting in improved patient outcomes.
Training in Medical Mycology for Clinicians and Laboratory Technicians – University of Cape Town, South Africa 2025
Our highly anticipated Medical Mycology training workshop for clinicians and laboratory technicians was an overwhelming success, showcasing the power of interactive learning and global collaboration. With incredible demand, the course was fully booked and exceeded expectations, demonstrating a strong need for expertise in this vital field.
This groundbreaking workshop, held at the University of Cape Town from December 1st to 5th, 2025, was a fully funded in-person experience for delegates across Africa and South East Asia. Attendees enjoyed cutting-edge lectures, dynamic case-based discussions, and hands-on practical sessions that brought key fungal pathogens into focus. Participants gained invaluable skills in identifying fungal pathogens, understanding disease mechanisms, and exploring diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Vice-Chancellor strengthens health and conservation research links in visit to South Africa
A delegation from the University of Exeter has met with the British High Commissioner to South Africa during a visit to showcase Exeter’s research successes in the country at the prestigious Oppenheimer Research Conference.
University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lisa Roberts, headed up the Exeter contingent during a six-day visit to the country. As well as meeting the British High Commissioner to South Africa, Anthony Phillipson, she attended the Oppenheimer Research Conference, where Exeter researchers presented their work from a six-year conservation programme.