Professor Glenda E. Gray

Professor Glenda E. Gray is a globally recognized scientist, medical researcher, and leader in infectious diseases and public health. She is the Director of the Infectious Disease and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI) at Wits University and was the first female President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), where she spearheaded South Africa’s scientific strategy and medical research priorities.

A leading figure in HIV vaccine research, Prof. Gray is the Co-Principal Investigator of the NIH-funded HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) and leads the BRILLIANT Consortium, advancing HIV vaccine discovery and development in Africa.

Her influence extends to global health governance, serving as:

• Chair of the Global Antibiotic R&D Partnership (GARDP) Board
• Board Member of the National Research Foundation (NRF)
• Council Member at the University of Cape Town (UCT)

A distinguished academic, she is a member of:

• South African Academy of Science
• African Academy of Science
• World Academy of Science
• U.S. National Academy of Medicine

For her groundbreaking research in preventing paediatric HIV transmission, she was awarded South Africa’s highest honour, the Order of Mapungubwe, as well as the Nelson Mandela Health and Human Rights Award.

Her contributions to science and public health have earned her global recognition, including:

• Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World
• Forbes Top 50 Women in Africa

She holds honorary doctorates from:

• Simon Fraser University (DSc, honoris causa)
• Stellenbosch University (DSc, honoris causa)
• Rhodes University (LLD, honoris causa)

Prof. Gray remains a trailblazer in medical research, vaccine development, and global health policy, shaping the future of infectious disease response and scientific innovation in Africa and beyond.