Applied Science at Eduvos under the guidance of Dr Siva Danaviah

Post by Eduvos, October 02, 2024.

At Eduvos, we are making significant strides to expand our Applied Science offerings across more campuses, opening doors for students to access cutting-edge qualifications in biomedicine and biotechnology. Leading this exciting journey is Dr Siva Danaviah, Head of Programme for the Faculty of Applied Science. With a deep passion for science, Dr Danaviah is guiding our Applied Science faculty into a future where qualified African scientists will play a pivotal role in solving the continent’s unique challenges. 

Dr Danaviah has worked as a researcher and scientist since obtaining her PhD in Molecular Virology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Before coming to Eduvos, she was the Associate Director of R&D and Quality Assurance at a commercial biotechnology entity and brings her knowledge and passion for science to the faculty. 

Reflecting on her career, Dr Danaviah shares, “Quite simply, science chose me, not the other way around. I was always fascinated by the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of all things biomedical and scientific. As a child, I would take apart devices just to understand how they worked.” Her curiosity and dedication led her to pursue a career that spans multiple disciplines, including human physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, infectious disease research (incl. TB, SARS-CoV-2 and HIV) and  R&D of diagnostics. 

Earlier this year, we unveiled our state-of-the-art science labs at our Pretoria campus to meet the growing demand for our biomedicine and biotechnology qualifications at other Eduvos campuses. This expansion allows students from different provinces to access top-tier science education, previously only available at the Midrand campus. Dr Danaviah played a key role in this initiative, aiming to attract young minds from across South Africa and Africa. 

The Role of Applied Science in Africa’s Future 
“Applied science is at the heart of our very existence,” Dr Danaviah explains. “As we face the uncertainties of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we must prepare young scientists to tackle challenges related to health, the environment, and human survival and to embrace change with resilience”  

She emphasises that Africa’s scientists are uniquely positioned to create solutions tailored to the continent’s needs, from environmental issues to public health challenges. 

The expansion of the Applied Science faculty is driven by a clear vision: To produce graduates who are ethical and responsible disruptors in the scientific, biomedical and biotechnology community.  

Earlier this year, under Dr Danaviah’s guidance, we teamed up with Task to launch the Bio Centrifuge Africa competition, bridging innovation and opportunity between South Africa's expanding biotech sector and the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR) in the USA. The competition invited South African innovators in the biomedical/health sector and science students to showcase their transformative solutions that address issues in the biomedical field. 

“My goal is for our students to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with graduates from international institutions. I want our faculty to become a hub of dynamic, innovative science that transcends borders and is cross-disciplinary,” she shares. 

Why Africa Needs More Scientists 
Africa faces unique challenges that need bold, homegrown solutions from its own scientists. According to Dr Danaviah, it is critical to train scientists who will critically apply their knowledge, skills and problem-solving abilities to develop innovations suited to Africa’s unique environments. “We have rich resources in our resilient and incredibly talented people. The next generation of scientists needs to be  future thinkers, and bioentrepreneurs skilled across disciplines.” 

We also welcome international students . Our Applied Science faculty is dedicated to expanding access to science education–not just for South Africans but for the broader African continent. The opening of the new labs in Pretoria is just the beginning, with plans to extend this offering to even more campuses across the country, ensuring that students from all walks of life have the opportunity to pursue their passion for science. 

The Vision for Eduvos and Applied Science 
Dr Danaviah envisions Eduvos becoming a force in the scientific community, producing graduates who can drive innovation, push boundaries, and solve real-world problems. The faculty aims to foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and creativity, attracting top talent from across Africa and beyond. 

“We want our students to live their passion, to grow science in ways that are relevant, impactful, and sustainable. Science is at the core of every aspect of life, and we are committed to preparing our students for the endless career possibilities, the opportunities and challenges that await them,” she concludes. 

Eduvos is set to become a beacon of scientific excellence in Africa, shaping the future of applied science and empowering the continent’s next generation of scientific trailblazers. 

Eager to embrace a future in biomedicine or biotechnology? You can pre-enrol for Applied Science, or any of our over 20 qualifications, for 2025. 

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