MRC recognises young researchers

Doctoral student in anatomy and cell biology, Emmanuel Mukwevho, delivers his presentation at a research day hosted by the Medical Research Council.

The Medical Research Council hosted a research day on 18 October to recognise excellent research undertaken at higher education institutions. Masters and PhD medical science students from universities in Cape Town gathered at the MRC offices to share their research in oral and poster presentations.

A number of UCT students did presentations on their research, including Emmanuel Mukwevho of the MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Science, and Dheshnie Govender of the Department of Human Biology.

Mukwevho, a doctoral student in anatomy and cell biology, presented his research that tries to understand the pathways of the Glut 4 protein, which is seen as a target for the treatment of Type Two diabetes. In turn, Govender spoke on her work on skin pigmentation.

MRC president Professor Anthony Mbewu said the council graduates 50 PhD students a year, "but it is important for those students to be able to make presentations and share ideas".