August 2025: Professor Novel Njweipi Chegou – African Male Researcher of the Month

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August 2025: Professor Novel Njweipi Chegou – African Male Researcher of the Month

Overview

Professor Novel Njweipi Chegou is an internationally acclaimed Cameroonian molecular biologist and immunologist whose groundbreaking work in tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics has placed him at the forefront of global TB research. He is currently a senior researcher and head of the TB Diagnostic Biomarkers Laboratory within the Stellenbosch University Immunology Research Group (SU-IRG), where he leads one of five independent research laboratories.

Prof. Chegou’s research primarily focuses on the development of innovative diagnostic tools for both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB, with a particular emphasis on biomarker discovery and the development of point-of-care testing platforms suitable for use in low-resource settings.

Education and Early Career

Originally from the Anglophone region of Cameroon, Prof. Chegou began his academic journey at the University of Buea, where he trained as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. Driven by a desire to address pressing health issues in Africa, he pursued postgraduate studies in South Africa at Stellenbosch University, where he obtained his MSc and PhD in Health Sciences. His MSc research, which was later upgraded to a PhD, marked the beginning of a focused career in TB immunology.

During his doctoral studies, he identified and patented a QuantiFERON supernatant biosignature capable of distinguishing between active and latent TB infection—a major advancement in TB diagnostics. This work laid the foundation for his continuing efforts in biomarker-based diagnostic innovation.

Research Focus

Prof. Chegou has spent nearly two decades dedicated to understanding and improving the way TB is diagnosed and managed. His work is particularly focused on:

• Biomarker discovery for TB diagnosis

• Monitoring of treatment response in TB patients

• Point-of-care diagnostics for rural and under-resourced communities

• Diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB, including TB meningitis in children

• Immunological and microbiota-related factors influencing TB disease

He has also pioneered animal model studies to explore the link between gut microbiota composition and TB pathogenesis, as well as how bacterial polysaccharides may affect TB treatment response.

One of his current focal areas is the diagnosis of TB meningitis in children, a notoriously difficult form of TB to detect early. His lab is working to refine existing biomarkers into diagnostic tools that could be deployed outside tertiary hospitals, significantly reducing delays in diagnosis and preventing irreversible neurological damage in children.

Awards and Recognitions

Prof. Chegou’s innovative contributions have been recognized both nationally and internationally. Some of his most significant accolades include:

• Royal Society Africa Prize (2022):
  Awarded by the UK’s national science academy, this prestigious prize recognises Prof. Chegou’s innovative contributions to TB diagnostics and his impact on African science. It is one of the highest honours in scientific achievement and places him alongside some of the world’s most influential scientists.

• SAMRC Silver Scientific Achievement Award (2019):
  From the South African Medical Research Council, this award recognises his outstanding scientific contributions to TB research.

• UNESCO-MARS Young Researcher Award (2015):
  Recognised at the Merck Africa Research Summit for his excellence in scientific innovation and dedication to health challenges in Africa.

• NSTF-South32 Awards Finalist (2019):
  Acknowledged for his significant research contributions to the scientific and technological advancement of South Africa.

• SU Rector’s Award for General Performance (2015):
  Honoured for academic and research excellence at Stellenbosch University.

• Best Honours Student in South Africa (2005):
  Awarded by the South African Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Institutional Roles and Collaborations

At Stellenbosch University, Prof. Chegou plays a dual role as both an academic mentor and research leader. He supervises a wide range of postgraduate students, many of whom are from underrepresented African regions, thereby nurturing the next generation of African scientists.

His work has led to multiple international collaborations, including with organizations involved in the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), through which he has served as a Senior Fellow, and with institutions across Europe and North America.

Impact and Vision

Prof. Chegou’s research is driven by a commitment to solving real-world problems in global health. His contributions are not limited to the lab; they aim to translate scientific discovery into accessible health tools that save lives, especially in resource-limited communities where the burden of TB remains high.

As he reflects on the significance of winning the Royal Society Africa Prize, he notes:

“It sends out a message that somebody out there sees what you are doing, and that they value what you are doing.”

Prof. Chegou hopes that the award will amplify awareness about TB, foster new partnerships, and open doors for increased funding and broader dissemination of the diagnostic tools his team is developing.

Legacy and Continuing Work

As a National Research Foundation (NRF) B-rated Scientist, Prof. Chegou is recognized as an internationally acclaimed researcher with high impact in his field. His legacy lies not only in his scientific contributions but also in his mentorship, leadership, and his role in shaping Africa’s research capacity in infectious diseases.

Looking ahead, his ambition is clear:
To develop reliable, affordable, and rapid diagnostic tools that can change the course of TB detection and treatment, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the rural poor.

In Summary:
Prof. Novel Njweipi Chegou stands as a beacon of excellence in African science—a visionary researcher whose work is transforming TB diagnostics globally while championing local innovation, capacity building, and equitable healthcare solutions.