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Professor Shenuka Singh, a distinguished academic in dentistry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), has been appointed as the President of the International Association of Dental Research South African (IADR-SA) Division.
Her appointment, announced at the IADR international conference in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, marks a significant achievement in her career.
Expressing her gratitude, Singh said, ‘Thank you, IADR, for your confidence in entrusting me with leading the South African Division for the next two years.’
She highlighted IADR’s critical role in fostering discussions, networking, and collaboration in dental, oral, and craniofacial research.
UKZN’s College of Health Sciences (CHS) Dean and Head of School, Professor Busi Ncama, congratulated Singh on her appointment, saying, ‘These accolades reflect the confidence placed in the staff within the Discipline of Dentistry.’ She noted that this growth underscores the mentorship and support that CHS provides to nurture the personal and professional development of staff, enabling them to become productive and recognised contributors in their fields.
Singh emphasised the importance of research as a pillar of Higher Education, acknowledging its role in generating funding and building research capacity. ‘The IADR offers a global platform for disseminating research findings, however, we must also ensure that dissemination occurs locally as well, especially at the research participant interface.’
Singh assured that the IADR-SA Division would continue to promote visibility in dental research through webinars and platforms for discourse.
Dr Rajeshree Moodley is the UKZN representative on the IADR South African Division executive committee.
Singh expressed gratitude to the Deans of various universities and faculties for their support in sustaining IADR’s mission, acknowledging the 53rd scientific meeting of the Association. She also thanked Professor Ahmed Bhayat, past President of IADR-SA, for his role in including UKZN representation in the IADR-SA executive committee.
A key focus of Singh’s leadership will be addressing the financial challenges of membership fees, particularly for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). She called for a review of these fees, saying, ‘This would alleviate the financial burden for many members who have paid out of their own pockets.’
In addition to her role as IADR-SA President, Singh is a full professor within the UKZN Dentistry Discipline, and an honorary extraordinary professor in Medical Ethics and Law at Stellenbosch University. She holds two doctoral degrees – one in Clinical and Research Ethics from Stellenbosch University and another in the area of Dental Public Health from the University of the Western Cape.
Her notable appointments include Deputy Chairperson of the National Health Research Ethics Council (NHREC) in South Africa (2023-2026), and Chair of the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee at UKZN (2024-2026).
Singh’s contributions to research ethics extend internationally. She was invited by the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop a tool for benchmarking research ethics oversight and is an Associate Editor for the BMC Oral Health journal. Her extensive involvement in research ethics committees and as a National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researcher has gained her national and international recognition.
The IADR-SA conference, hosted by UKZN for the first time, was attended by prominent figures such as Professor Pam Yelick, President-Elect of the International Association of Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (IADR); Professor Manogari Chetty, President of IADR, South African Division; Professor Meghashyam Bhat, Head of Public Health Dentistry, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Bengaluru, India; Professor Tulio Oliveira, Director – Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP): UKZN; CTRI – Stellenbosch University; Professor Saadika Khan, Chair: IADR Africa and Middle East Region (AMER); and delegates from various dental schools across the country, as well as students.
Ncama congratulated the Dentistry discipline for its growing role in training oral health professionals and acknowledged its evolution into a globally recognised leader in research and postgraduate training. She noted, ‘It is remarkable that five out of the six full-time academics in the Discipline hold PhDs.’
The College of Health Sciences views this conference as an opportunity to celebrate staff and student achievements in dental research while exploring new platforms for advancing research agendas through teaching, community engagement, and leadership.
Ncama concluded by congratulating the Discipline, led by Academic Leader, Dr Ilana Moodley, and the Local Organising Committee, chaired by Dr Tufayl Muslim, for their successful leadership of the 53rd IADR-SA Division conference.
Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Professor Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, expressed immense pride and admiration for Singh’s appointment as President of IADR South African Chapter. ‘On behalf of the School of Health Sciences, I am honoured to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Professor Shenuka Singh on her esteemed appointment as President of the IADR – South African Chapter. This prestigious role reflects Professor Singh’s exceptional contributions to the field and her unwavering leadership in advancing dental, oral, and craniofacial research both locally and globally.’
Mashige highlighted the significance of this achievement, which coincides with the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s hosting of the inaugural IADR conference. ‘This significant event marks a milestone for the University and the research community, and we are confident that Professor Singh’s leadership will serve as an inspiration for continued excellence and innovation in this domain.’
He also emphasised the vital role of IADR as a global organisation in promoting health and well-being through research. ‘We are certain that under Professor Singh’s presidency, the South African Chapter will further strengthen its impact on the global stage, contributing meaningfully to the advancement of dental, oral, and craniofacial health.
‘Once again, congratulations, Professor Singh, on this well-deserved honour. We are proud to count you among the distinguished members of our academic community and look forward to supporting your efforts in this important leadership role.’
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Lunga Memela