Professor Thumbi Ndung’u from the University of KwaZulu-Natal has been elected to the prestigious US National Academy of Medicine (NAM).

At UKZN, Ndung’u serves as the Scientific Director of the HIV Pathogenesis Programme, and holds the South African Research Chair in Systems Biology of HIV/AIDS, as well as the Victor Daitz Chair in HIV/TB Research.

He is also the director of Basic and Translational Science at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), director of the Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE), and holds a professorship in infectious diseases at University College London.

The university said the formal announcement was made on 21 October at NAM’s annual meeting, where he joined a cohort of 100 new members. Each year, NAM elects no more than 90 regular members and ten international members.

According to UKZN, election to the National Academy of Medicine is recognised as one of the highest global honours in health and medicine. “[Membership is] reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and a profound commitment to advancing public health.”

UKZN said Ndung'u’s election is a testament to his groundbreaking research, including his pioneering work on creating the first primary isolate infectious molecular clone of HIV-1 subtype C—a milestone that has significantly advanced our understanding of the virus and its interaction with host systems.

“NAM also recognised his vital contributions to uncovering immune vulnerabilities in HIV-1 subtype C, which is instrumental in developing potential vaccines and immunotherapies, as well as his leadership in Africa’s first HIV cure trial,” said the university.

Ndung’u said he is honoured to be elected to the National Academy of Medicine.

“This recognition is a testament not only to my work but to the incredible teams and collaborators I have had the privilege to work alongside. Together, we continue to strive toward advancing scientific research that will lead to solutions for some of our most pressing health challenges,” he said.

UKZN’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nana Poku, said Ndung’u’s election to NAM not only celebrates his distinguished career but also brings global recognition to UKZN for its leadership in HIV and TB research.

“This honour affirms the university’s pivotal role in advancing health science and reinforces our position as a centre of excellence in medical research. We are profoundly proud of this achievement, which will undoubtedly inspire emerging researchers at UKZN and in the wider scientific community,” he said.

THE MERCURY