Dr Prinessa Chellan plans to use her funds to purchase new laboratory equipment and hopes that the opportunity to collaborate with other scientists will start further projects in her field. PHOTO: Stellenbosch University.
A Stellenbosch University (SU) senior lecturer has begun her research fellowship on resistance to antimalarial drugs under remote conditions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Prinessa Chellan, who specialises in chemistry and polymer science at the faculty of science, was the recipient of a Future Leaders – African Independent Research (FLAIR) fellowship from The Royal Society and the African Academy of Sciences on 11 May.
These institutions, which are based in the United Kingdom and Kenya respectively, allow recipients of the fellowship to travel internationally for particular research and mentoring opportunities.
“The Royal Society and the African Academy of Sciences will be working with me remotely until it is safe to travel internationally. They plan to do this via webinars, one-on-one online meetings and other mentoring opportunities,” said Chellan.
However, she will start conducting official research in her laboratory as soon as she is allowed back on campus.
“During this time at home, I have already started work on a research plan so that my graduate students and I can achieve the main goals of the project within the initial two-year time frame,” she said.
As a recipient of the FLAIR fellowship, Chellan will receive up to R6,9 million to fund her research and will have the opportunity to collaborate with other academic institutions in the United Kingdom.
Malaria has been a persistent problem in Africa. Dr Chellan’s research looks to identify metal complexes that could combat drug-resistant malaria. INFOGRAPHIC: Michael Brown.
Chellan, whose interest in malaria and other illnesses began during her postgraduate studies at the University of Cape Town, will use this fellowship to research metal complexes which could combat drug-resistant malaria.
Dr Therina Theron, senior director of research and innovation at SU, said that this fellowship, even if it remains online, will provide SU with the opportunity to work in partnership with worldwide institutions.
“This will of course then also give further rise to our aim of being Africa’s leading research-intensive university that is globally recognised,” said Theron.
FLAIR Fellowships
This year, 29 African scientists were chosen out of over 400 applicants to receive a FLAIR fellowship, according to Bronwyn Friedlander, head of media relations at The Royal Society.
“This is the second year of the scheme, 30 people were awarded [the fellowship] in year one,” said Friedlander.
I can finally share the news that I am a 2020 recipient of the FLAIR fellowship! Many thanks to @royalsociety and @AASciences for this amazing opportunity! https://t.co/pFIn7W9s6c
— Prinessa Chellan (@ChellanResearch) May 11, 2020
Dr Prinessa Chellan is looking forward to working under the guidance of The Royal Society and the African Academy of Sciences in the future, whatever the circumstances may be.
The scheme has been developed to support African scientists looking to establish a research career, according to a press release from The Royal Society.
“[W]e’re proud to be part of a programme that is investing in the next generation of African scientific leaders,” said prof Richard Catlow, foreign secretary of the Royal Society in the press release.