University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student Elizabeth Appelt laid the foundation that led UW leaders Brian Fox, chair of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Biochemistry, and Jorge Osorio, director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Global Health Institute, as well as Bill Checovich of Illumina, to join WARF CEO Erik Iverson to explore joint academic and research opportunities in South Africa. They’re pictured here with Linda-Gail Bekker of the UCT Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine.

The group met with representatives from Afrigen Biologics (Pty) Ltd, Stellenbosch University and the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, as well as Nadia Carstens and Craig Kinnear from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Genomics Centre.

“Phenomenal science and product development are happening everywhere, and the university and WARF have a role to play in that,” says Erik. “If you think WARF can help open a door for you – whether it is your department, your lab or on behalf of your students, please reach out and let us know. We love introducing friends to one another.”

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