Inspiring Futures in Science
A FREE Public Talk from the VALIDATE Network
Video coming soon.
The VALIDATE Network was delighted to host Inspiring Futures in Science, a public talk designed to encourage the next generation of scientists to explore the exciting opportunities offered by a career in science.
Held on 7 August 2026 at the Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI), Tygerberg, Stellenbosch University, the event brought together Grade 10 and 11 learners studying Maths, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences for an engaging and inspiring session. The event encouraged learners to recognise their potential and discover the many pathways available through a career in science and biomedical research.
We were privileged to hear from three inspiring speakers:
- Dr Liezel Smith, Stellenbosch University
- Dr Caryn Fenner, Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines
- Professor Admire Dube, University of the Western Cape
Each speaker shared their experiences, insights and passion for science, giving learners a valuable glimpse into the varied and rewarding careers available within the field.
We would like to thank our speakers for generously sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm, and all the learners who participated so positively throughout the event.
At VALIDATE, we believe that inspiring young people today helps to build the scientists, innovators and leaders of tomorrow. We are proud to support initiatives that connect young minds with science and demonstrate the many exciting opportunities a career in biomedical research can offer.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that affects hundreds of thousands of people every year, especially in forgotten corners of the world. Yet it’s largely absent from the headlines — and neglected by both the private and public sectors.
In this talk, Colombian biomedical investigator Dr María Adelaida Gómez takes us on a journey from remote rainforest villages to cutting-edge labs, uncovering the true cost of a disease, spread by tiny sandflies, that causes disfiguring skin wounds, psychological distress, and social stigma. Dr Gómez shares the real stories of patients whose lives are shaped by leishmaniasis — children who stop going to school, women who hide their faces, and travellers who return home with more than just souvenirs. She explains the science behind the scar: how a tiny parasite evades the immune system, why treatments remain toxic or unavailable, and how research — including the search for an effective vaccine — offers our best hope of closing the gap between those who suffer and those who can help.
This talk is a call to action: not just to investigate a dangerous parasite, but to give voice to the people it affects — and to invest in the science that can heal lives as well as wounds.
