Prof Glenda Gray

I serve on the Remuneration and Human Resources Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee of the NRF Board. My experience as the past CEO/President of the SAMRC has assisted in shared learnings and experience from a 3A entity that has a focus on research and funding.

I am the Chief Scientific Officer at the SAMRC; a Distinguished Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand; and a Professor in the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle.

My experiences in previous roles assist with good governance, an understanding of the PFM, and the support of excellence at the NRF. I am also an NRF A1-rated scientist so I understand the ecosystem of being a researcher in South Africa.

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

I am passionate about science and about conducting science that has the potential to make an impact in South Africa, Africa and the world.

Being involved in clinical research in the field of HIV has taught me the importance of teamwork, community engagement and capacity development. I am passionate about contributing to the development of an HIV vaccine and have just received a substantial award that will see African scientists’ discovery and testing HIV immunogens in novel vaccine platforms, taking discovery into the clinic, so we learn about the whole process of innovation from beginning to end, and with this knowledge, support other vaccine development.

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

Be passionate and curious, learn the value of being part of a team. Never take no for an answer and never be scared to take risks. Kill the feeling of being an imposter. Never forget to take time to smell the roses. Value your support network.