Congratulations to Professor Raj Ramesar, head of the Division of Human Genetics, for receiving the inaugural Africa Award Human Genome Organisation (HUGO), following delivery of a plenary lecture at the HUGO International Conference in Houston, USA in February 2016.

Professor Raj Ramesar

HUGO is a body that represents the field of Human Genomics, internationally. Nomination and selection for the award is made by a group of peers from the scientific community and is in recognition of the positive contribution made by recipients to the field of human genetics. This prestigious award is another crowning accomplishment in Prof Ramesar’s distinguished career, which includes serving as the Director of the UCT/MRC Human Genetics Research Unit, and CANSA’s Colorectal Cancer Research Consortium.

Prof Ramesar is also principal investigator on the Retinal Degenerative Disorders research project, which has made several advances in the identification of genetic causes of RDDs since its inception. Apart from being involved directly with several established research projects aimed at elucidating the genetic basis of diseases in South Africa, he is currently channeling his energy in setting up research into understanding the genetic basis of the more complex yet common chronic disorders (e.g. hypertension) in our populations.