About the monthly Scientific Seminar Series: The purpose of these transdisciplinary seminars is to expose students, faculty, university leadership, and fellows to high-level science and encourage networking and collaboration between the various departments at Stellenbosch University and beyond.

This month's topic: SARS-CoV-2 Variants, insights from virological and immunological perspectives

About the speaker: Ravi Gupta is Professor of Clinical Microbiology at Cambridge University. Gupta has worked in HIV drug resistance both at molecular and population levels, and his work led to change in WHO treatment guidelines for HIV. He led the study demonstrating HIV eradication in the ‘London Patient’ – the world’s second recorded cure in history. During the COVID-19 pandemic Gupta has deployed his expertise in RNA virus genetics and biology to report that SARS-CoV-2 variants likely arise in immune compromised individuals who are also at greatest risk of severe disease. Gupta reported the first real world data on vaccine escape responses towards VOC, defined the replication advantage of the Delta variant, and the tropism shift of Omicron, explaining why this variant is less severe. In addition, his group has defined mechanisms behind poorer vaccine responses in the elderly. Gupta has advised the UK government on COVID-19 through SAGE and NERVTAG. In 2020 appeared in the list of 100 most influential people by TIME and in 2022 featured in the Clarivate list of the world’s most highly cited scientists.

CPD Points: Attendees can now earn CPD points by joining our monthly scientific seminars, whether in person or online.