Collet Dandara is an Academic and Researcher in Human Genetics with special skills in teaching, student supervision, mentorship of both students and colleagues, and proposal writing for grants applications. His field of research is Pharmacogenomics and Genetic Susceptibility to disease. He has extensive experience in designing courses/lectures and teaching Genomics. He has supervised at least 18 MSc students (by research), 11 PhD students and has hosted at least 7 Postdoctoral Research Fellows, and more than 25 Honours students; contributing massively to human capacity development. He has consciously trained a majority of female scientists and attracted students from the previously disadvantaged groups. He was recognised as a Finalist in the NSTF-Bilton Awards, in 2014, in the category of Human Capacity development. Dr Dandara is regularly approached to assist with an external examination of courses and student theses, as a testimony to national and international recognition in skills. He has published >150 publications in internationally peer-reviewed journals and accumulated an H-index of 29 (Google Scholar) or 24 (Scopus) and is considered, one of the leading experts in Pharmacogenomics Research on the African continent and internationally. He has a good understanding of the higher education system in South Africa and internationally, including the funding landscape. He has previously served the Advisory Committee Sub-Committee on GMOs of the Department of Agriculture, South Africa (2008-2013). He is integrally involved in transformation and was previously the Chair of the Transformation and Equity Committee in the faculty of Health Sciences, at the University of Cape Town. He serves on the South African Young Scientists Academy (SAYAS) selection committee. Internationally, Dandara was nominated as a Young Affiliate of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). Currently serves as a Board member of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) (2020-2023).
