NRF Women's Month 2026: Prof Glenda Davison

Every research journey starts with a question. This Women’s Month, the NRF celebrates women driven by curiosity — researchers whose questions, ideas and determination are expanding our understanding of the world around us. From exploring the unknown to deepening our existing knowledge, curiosity remains at the heart of discovery. We thank all participants for sharing their stories with us.

Prof Glenda Davison is the co-Director of the SAMRC/CPUT Cardiometabolic Health Research Unit and serves as the Interim NRF/Nedbank South African Research Chair (SARChi) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She is also an Honorary Associate Professor in the Division of Haematology at the University of Cape Town. Her research focuses on haematology and the body’s immune response to disease.

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

The NRF has played a significant role in my scientific career and began in 2019 when I was awarded an NRF C3 rating. As a late entrant into research, this recognition as an “established researcher” in my field provided motivation and renewed my passion to continue to grow and develop. In 2024, this initial rating was upgraded to a C2 category.

In 2022, I was awarded the NRF/Nedbank Interim SARChi Chair in Cardiometabolic Health. This award has assisted me in mentoring and supervising several Master’s and Doctoral students as well as two postdoctoral fellows.

In 2025, I was elected to the Basic Health Sciences NRF Rating Committee, which has allowed me to grow and give back to the organisation. 

Collectively, the NRF has provided not only funding to continue my research, but also the opportunity to learn about the scientific and research landscape in South Africa. This has allowed me to make a difference to emerging researchers and contribute to transformation in Clinical research.  It is therefore a great privilege for me to be able to give back to the NRF by serving on the Ratings Committee.

What is your research focus or area of expertise?

My current research focuses on haematology (the study of blood) and the immune response to disease.

Cells of the immune system and the substances they secrete play a very important role in eliminating infections, but if this response is abnormal, it can result in the infection spreading and increase inflammation or even sepsis. Chronic inflammation or a dysfunctional immune reaction can cause a lot of damage to the body and plays an underlying role in the development of several systemic diseases. These include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders and even cancer. 

By combining my knowledge of haematology with immunology, I am able to understand and perform research on the role of these cells and other immune components in the development of diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

What sparked your curiosity about your field of research, and what continues to keep you curious?

Blood and cells of the immune system work in cooperation to connect the entire body and can travel via the blood vessels and the circulation to every organ. This system is vital for life and the proper functioning of the human body.

What is fascinating (and sparked my curiosity) is that these cells work as a well-coordinated team or ecosystem, and if anything goes wrong or becomes abnormal, it has severe consequences. Understanding this and being able to identify abnormalities could lead to better ways of treating these disorders.

Over my career, I have had the privilege to be part of research teams which have made a significant impact in this area.

What is one thing you wish more people understood about your field of research?

I wish that people understood how lifestyles can affect the response of the immune system and how this can eventually lead to disease. This can include diet, smoking, and alcohol.

One example is oral hygiene. By not taking care of your teeth, it can lead to gum disease and periodontitis. This not only leads to tooth loss but, more importantly, it stimulates cells of the immune system, which often overreact if the problem is not sorted out. This abnormal reaction can lead to chronic systemic inflammation in the blood vessels and ultimately disease.

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