SAAVI has established an annual African Fellowship Programme for visiting African scientists to gain experience and expertise in vaccine development and/or testing by working in SAAVI units with the aim of knowledge transfer. It is also currently investigating the establishment of a short-term visiting scientist fellowship aimed at further capacity development. South African scientists are also encouraged to apply for fellowships in other African countries.

For more information on the Africa Fellowship contact Carole Roberts on tel: 021 9380359 or e-mail: carole.roberts@mrc.ac.za

SAAVI has actively addressed transformation within the collaborating institutions. The transformation process is broad, addressing both gender and race. The development of scientific capacity takes many years. Many previously disadvantaged individuals have now progressed through to a PhD and post-doctoral level. These ‘SAAVI graduates’ are now filling senior positions within the initiative.

There are nearly twice as many women working within SAAVI (63%) compared to men (36%), and more than half of the initiative personnel are individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds (52%).