Dr Deidre Prince

My role involves leading the department that manufactures and supplies radiopharmaceuticals and other radioisotopes to 83 nuclear medicine facilities nationally and nearly 100 clients globally.

My responsibilities include skills development; implementing a research and development programme; and ensuring reliable manufacture and supply of radiopharmaceuticals and other radioisotopes to the local, African and global markets. These radioisotopes are crucial for clinical, research and industrial purposes and are manufactured under strict regulatory compliance – both nationally and internationally. I also manage engagements with an extensive portfolio of local and international stakeholders who are critical to our success.

The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that cancer will become the leading cause of death in Africa by 2030, with almost a million deaths annually. Early cancer detection significantly enhances treatment effectiveness, underscoring the necessity for access to radiopharmaceuticals and diagnostic infrastructure.

NRF-iThemba LABS is South Africa’s exclusive producer of specific accelerator-based short-lived radiopharmaceuticals crucial for the country’s nuclear medicine community. Globally recognised for producing the ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator essential in PET diagnostic imaging, NRF-iThemba LABS also manufactures long-lived radioisotopes primarily for international markets. These include irradiated targets used in the production of ⁸²Sr/⁸²Rb generators for diagnostic PET imaging in myocardial perfusion studies. Furthermore, the Nuclear Medicine department is the sole global supplier of ultra-high vacuum ²²Na solution and positron sources, crucial for positron annihilation studies in universities and industry.

What inspired you to become the leader that you are today?

My journey to leadership in nuclear medicine was driven by personal passion, professional fulfilment, excellence, and a commitment to making a difference in people’s lives. Throughout my academic and professional career, I found inspiration in the work of science pioneers, especially in nuclear medicine. The potential to innovate and contribute to life-saving treatments fuelled my determination. Witnessing nuclear medicine’s impact on patients’ lives provided profound motivation to advance in my field.

Breaking barriers for women in nuclear sciences has been important to me. Overcoming challenges not only for myself but also for future generations of female leaders has driven my resilience. I am committed to continuous learning and professional growth, always striving to remain at the forefront of my field.

My leadership is rooted in a deep passion for science, innovation in patient care, and creating an inclusive environment for fellow leaders in the field. My journey underscores the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and the influence one person can have in inspiring others, especially women. I feel honoured to contribute to Africa’s and South Africa’s global recognition in this field.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women leaders?

The path to leadership is challenging yet rewarding. Commit to continuous learning, strive for excellence, and stay current with advancements in your field. Embrace innovation and be open to calculated risks that can lead to new opportunities. Seek mentors early in your career for guidance and learn from women in leadership roles. Their experiences navigating challenges and achieving success will provide invaluable insights and strategies for your journey.

Cultivate self-confidence by celebrating all successes, big and small, and develop resilience to overcome setbacks. Assert your goals and advocate for yourself while supporting other women in their careers. Collaborate with female colleagues to foster inclusive work environments and challenge norms that exclude women. Balance work and personal life effectively, prioritise well-being and maintain integrity in all aspects of leadership.

Embrace empathy and authenticity in your leadership approach. These qualities foster teamwork and collaboration, creating environments where everyone can thrive. Lead ethically, serve as a role model, and find purpose in your career for both professional success and personal fulfilment. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital for sustained success.