NRF Youth Month 2025: Zama Bianca Nene

The NRF supports the growth of the next generation of researchers and scholars to sustain South Africa’s knowledge enterprise. June is Youth Month, and this year the NRF is celebrating the youth who are shaping tomorrow through research today. We thank all participants for sharing their stories with us.

Ms Zama Bianca Nene is a Master’s student in Medical Microbiology at the University of Cape Town. She received funding from the NRF for her Master’s studies.

How did your journey start?

From as early as I can remember, I’ve always been fascinated by the unseen, the invisible world of microbes that shape health, disease, and ultimately, humanity. This curiosity developed into a deep love for the medical sciences, particularly medical microbiology. I always knew I wanted to be a medical scientist, not just in an abstract sense, but as someone working at the intersection of human health and biology, contributing to knowledge that can transform lives.

I pursued my undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Sciences (BHSc) with a specialisation in Medical Microbiology, at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). My time at CPUT was pivotal. It not only solidified my technical and theoretical grounding but also gave me a platform to explore research, laboratory diagnostics, and the clinical relevance of microbes in disease.

During the final year of my degree, I completed both my Honours research project and a Medical Microbiology Scientist internship at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS).

My Honours research focused on improving the detection of Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. in adult patients at Tygerberg Hospital. This experience deepened my interest in public health microbiology and highlighted the critical role of accurate diagnostics in patient care.

At the same time, my internship at the NHLS was both rigorous and rewarding. It provided hands-on experience across various diagnostic laboratories and allowed me to apply my academic training in real-world clinical settings. This dual exposure in my final year enhanced my practical skills and reaffirmed my passion for diagnostic microbiology in the context of public health.

I successfully completed the internship in December 2024 and registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in Medical Microbiology in February 2025. This professional registration has given me both the credibility and the foundation to contribute meaningfully to the fields of medical diagnostics and research.

Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Medicine (MSc Med) degree with a specialisation in Medical Microbiology at the University of Cape Town (UCT). My Master’s research focuses on the isolation, characterisation, and probiotic potential of bifidobacteria. This is an area that bridges microbial science with therapeutic application, particularly in the context of gut health and antimicrobial resistance, which is a growing global concern.

Throughout this journey, my underlying motivation has remained the same: to use science in service of humanity. I am passionate about public health, infectious diseases, and microbial diagnostics, and I firmly believe that science has the power to transform lives, shape policy, and promote global health equity. I didn’t stumble into this path. I envisioned it, pursued it relentlessly, and remain committed to advancing it through research, innovation, and compassionate scientific practice.

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

My relationship with the National Research Foundation (NRF) began when I was awarded an NRF Master’s scholarship this year, which has had a profound impact on both my academic journey and personal life. Receiving this scholarship was not just a financial award; it was an affirmation of my potential as a scientist and an opportunity to pursue the career I have always envisioned for myself.

The scholarship enabled me to enrol full-time in my MSc Med degree in Medical Microbiology at UCT, which is one of the leading research institutions in Africa. This was a dream I had nurtured for many years, and the NRF’s support made it possible at a time when funding opportunities were limited, and the financial demands of postgraduate study could have been a significant obstacle.

Academically, the NRF scholarship gave me the freedom to focus completely on my research without the burden of financial stress. The scholarship has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to this field by providing access to research resources, expert mentorship, and the time necessary to engage in rigorous scientific work.

Professionally, it has elevated my profile as an emerging scientist in South Africa. It has also opened doors to academic networks and collaborative opportunities within the scientific community. This support has positioned me to pursue further studies at the doctoral level and to make meaningful contributions to public health research on both national and international platforms.

On a personal level, being selected as an NRF scholarship recipient has given me a sense of pride, motivation, and purpose. It has reinforced my belief that I belong in this field and that I am capable of producing impactful science that addresses critical health issues. Moreover, it has enabled me to serve as a role model for others in my community who aspire to pursue careers in science but may be facing financial or systemic barriers.

In every way, the NRF scholarship has done more than support my education. It has empowered me to follow my passion for medical science, to work toward advancing human health, and to pursue a meaningful career grounded in research, innovation, and service.

What is your research focus/ area of expertise?

My Master’s research project, titled Bifidobacteria in Focus: Isolation, Characterisation and Probiotic Prospects, is based on isolating and characterising Bifidobacterium strains from human faecal matter with the goal of discovering novel strains that exhibit superior probiotic potential for the development of next-generation probiotic preparations.

By using microbial culturing, metabolomics, proteomics, and genomics, I explore how these beneficial microbes influence the gut microbiota, combat pathogens, and interact synergistically with other microbes.

Gut health is not only central to digestion and immunity; studies have shown that it is also deeply linked to overall well-being and mental health through the gut-brain axis. A healthy gut microbiome supports immune function, nutrient absorption, and neurochemical balance, thus contributing to reduced inflammation, improved mood, and cognitive clarity. Bifidobacterium spp play an essential role in this ecosystem and are commonly used in fermented foods such as plain yogurt, kefir, and kombucha, as they are also integral to vaginal health.

The global probiotic industry is a multibillion-dollar market poised for rapid expansion therefore, by uncovering novel, locally sourced strains, this research supports Africa’s capacity to innovate and lead in sustainable, health-focused biotechnology.

How is your research helping to shape a better future?

My research contributes to a healthier and more sustainable future by addressing critical public health and scientific challenges that affect both local and global populations.

By focusing on the isolation, characterisation, and probiotic potential of bifidobacteria, I aim to uncover solutions that promote gut health, strengthen immunity, and potentially reduce the prevalence of gastrointestinal infections such as diarrhoea, which remains a major cause of illness and death worldwide, particularly in children and vulnerable communities.

This research also contributes to the ongoing global fight against antimicrobial resistance by exploring alternative, microbiome-based interventions that can reduce dependence on antibiotics. Furthermore, it supports the development of fortified, health-promoting foods, which can enhance nutritional security and contribute to food system resilience.

On a broader scale, my work feeds into the growth of Africa’s emerging bioeconomy by driving innovation in the local probiotic and biotechnology industries, and encourages the use of sustainable, evidence-based health practices rooted in microbiological science.

Being a young researcher often means juggling numerous responsibilities and expectations. How do you stay motivated and/or balanced?

Research requires focus and resilience, but I stay motivated because I believe in the difference my work can make. I rely on discipline and hard work, but I also make sure to recognise my progress and celebrate small wins. This balance helps me stay energised and committed, even when the workload feels overwhelming.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

One of my proudest achievements to date is completing my undergraduate degree in record time while maintaining a strong GPA. This accomplishment reflects my dedication, discipline, and passion for medical science.

Receiving the NRF scholarship was another milestone that validated my potential as a researcher and enabled me to pursue my Master’s degree at a world-class institution, UCT.

Additionally, registering with the HPCSA as a Medical Laboratory Scientist specialising in Medical Microbiology was a significant professional achievement that marked my transition from student to qualified practitioner.

Together, these milestones represent my commitment to excellence, continuous growth, and my determination to contribute meaningfully to the field of medical microbiology.

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