The development of pharmacogenetics for clinical practice (Prof Monique Zaahl)

Prof Zaahl completed her PhD in Human Genetics in 2003. As a Commonwealth Split-site scholar, she completed most of her study at Oxford University. She was appointed Head of the Genetics Department at Stellenbosch University in 2011. Strategic positioning of the department within the national context was key to her role.

She has published 26 research articles in international peer-reviewed journals (8 first author publications and 18 co-author publications), one book chapter, a review article in the field of human genetics, and has trained numerous postgraduate students. Prof Zaahl was also the recipient of the 2006 South African National Research Foundation “Women in Science” award, in the category “Best emerging young scientist”, the South African representative at the International Council of Science (ICSU) meeting in April 2007, has been awarded the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) awards, category: Young Black Researcher, in 2009, was a recipient of the National Order of Mapungubwe in Bronze (awarded by President Jacob Zuma) in 2010, was listed as Mail and Guardian Top 100 women in South Africa (1 of 10 women in the health sector) in 2011 and several
others awards.

Following her successful professional career as a scientist, she attained her MBA in 2012. These studies developed her competence in strategic planning and enhanced her skills as innovator and entrepreneur. Her entrepreneurial skills were evident with the establishment of GENEdiagnostics (Pty) Ltd in 2010, a genetic testing company. GENEdiagnostics were awarded the SMME Award for most innovative company (awarded by AfricaGrowth) in 2013, was selected to form part of a Bridge International Bootcamp (sponsored by ABSA, Barclays, CEDAR and Stellenbosch University) in 2014, obtained an award at the SA Innovation Summit (category: company with most growth potential) in 2017 and has been selected in 2018 as a Shanduka Blackumbrella company (previous Cyril Rhamaphosa foundation), finalist of the ESKOM Entrepreneur competition in 2021, finalist of the Cyril Rhamaphose Blackumbrellas people’s choice, selected as a LEAP/Metropolitan EDP company in 2022 and various others.

Furthermore, in 2012, she was appointed as Professor and Executive in the office of the Rector and Vice-Chancellor at Stellenbosch University. The focus of her appointment was to increase the capacity of the Rector and Vice-Chancellor’s office and to actively support initiatives that would progress transformation at Stellenbosch University. Prof Zaahl has been appointed on the Boards of Directors as a non-executive director at People Living with Cancer (PLWC), a non-executive director at Terresan Pelagic Fisheries and a nonexecutive director and Chair at Blue Ocean Mussels and an executive director of GENEdiagnostics (Pty) Ltd. She is also affiliated with the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) and Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an assessor.