Dr Antonel Olckers holds a PhD degree in Molecular Human Genetics from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and performed her MSc and PhD research at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. She Co-Founded DNAbiotec®, a knowledge-based biotech company, in 2001. The company combines her Expertise in Science, Business and Innovation. DNAbiotec® has generated and translated its IP into products used by clients from 44 countries (24 in Africa). Dr Olckers is an Independent DNA Expert Witness in Forensic Science. She is a founding director of the South African Academy of Forensic Sciences (SAAFS), a full member (DNA/Biology) of SAAFS and was elected as the inaugural Chair of SAAFS. She is also a founding member of the African Forensic Sciences Academy (AFSA) and currently serves as founding President of AFSA IE. She has served on multiple boards, advisory boards and national committees e.g.: NBAC of NACI, BioEconomy related committees, and the advisory board of NIPMO. Dr Olckers is a strong advocate for empowering the next generation of scientists in Africa. Her last academic position was as full professor and Head of the Department (Centre for Genome Research) and she has supervised more than 30+ post-graduate students. Dr Olckers believes that strong relationships between the academic and private sectors are essential to build a healthy science ecosystem. She was honored with the Biotech Fundi Lifetime Achiever Award in recognition of her contributions to biotechnology and innovation and is a recipient of the Legal Aid South Africa award for her pro bono work in forensic science (DNA evidence).
