Honorary doctorate for Kelly Chibale

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Professor Kelly Chibale is set to be awarded an honorary doctorate by Leiden University in the Netherlands on 7 February 2025 during the institution’s 450th anniversary celebrations.

In a significant recognition of his groundbreaking scientific contributions, Professor Chibale’s award highlights his pivotal work in developing innovative medicines to address endemic diseases in Africa.

Chibale has dedicated his career to creating new drugs that target critical health challenges facing Africa. His most notable achievement includes leading an international project team that discovered a small molecule antimalaria drug candidate, the first small molecule drug candidate for any disease researched on African soil by an African-led international team and advancing it to the clinical development phase.

Exceptional leadership

Beyond his scientific breakthroughs, Chibale has demonstrated exceptional leadership through the establishment of UCT’s Holistic Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D) in 2010 and the associated H3D Foundation in 2019. Both the centre and foundation are crucial in training and supporting African scientific talent, embodying a commitment to advancing research capabilities across the continent.

“I would like to thank God, my team members, past and present, as well as research and funding partners for their support and contributions to this recognition.”

The honorary doctorate represents more than a personal accolade. It is a testament to Chibale’s remarkable contributions to science, education, and societal development. Notably, the nomination originated from three prestigious departments within Leiden University, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences, and the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC).

“This honorary doctorate is special on two levels. First, my nomination was jointly initiated by three different entities at Leiden University: Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences, and the University Medical Centre. Second, it will be given on the university’s 450th anniversary. I would like to thank God, my team members, past and present, as well as research and funding partners for their support and contributions to this recognition,” Chibale said.

Professor Gilles van Wezel, a professor of molecular biotechnology, will personally present the honorary doctorate to Chibale during the anniversary celebrations, further emphasising the significance of this recognition.