Dr Sharlene Govender, Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry and Microbiology, has just completed Phase 2 of the DHET Future Professors Programme (FPP) after being selected to participate in the programme, facilitated by the University of Johannesburg during 2024 to 2025.
The programme’s workshops and leadership training strengthened her teaching, supervision, collaboration and leadership skills, and emphasised the importance of inspiring, mentoring and contributing to positive societal change.
Through the FPP travel grant, Dr Govender visited the University of Virginia in September 2025, where she explored international collaborations at the Clinical Microbial Sequencing Laboratory within the Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health.
There, she gained hands-on experience in advanced techniques and research, including next-generation sequencing in diagnostic clinical microbiology, digital PCR for wastewater analysis, and the use of a “sink lab” to study antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in hospital environments.
Dr Govender at the University of Virginia
She also presented her research to the University of Virginia community through a seminar for faculty, trainees, and students in microbiology and infectious diseases.
Furthermore, she delivered a global visitor lecture at the Center for Global Health Equity on South Africa’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FPP provided a crucial platform for her participation in the African Research Funding Accelerator Programme, helping her to develop a strong research strategy for future fundraising efforts, a critical skill given the challenges of securing research funding in the current economic and global political climate, she says.
“It's far more than a title; it's about inspiring, mentoring, shaping society, building capacity and contributing to positive change.
"The programme's workshops and comprehensive leadership training equipped me with invaluable skills to enhance my teaching, refine my supervision methods, promote collaboration and cultivate authentic leadership”, Dr Govender says.
The programme included the support of a coach, academic advisor, and mentor, as well as writing retreats providing time and space to focus on her research.
“I also learned the significance of developing a strong scholarly voice and, through the FPP, became part of a supportive academic community where I could share experiences and learn from peers”, Dr Govender reflected.