RIRCA
@rirca.bsky.social
The Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa was founded by @clivemgray at Stellenbosch University. A group of scientists, clinicians & statisticians investigating the immunological factors contributing to adverse birth and perinatal outcomes
🧬 Just published! Joining the dots: maternal cytomegalovirus, HIV and the placenta.
We explore how maternal CMV–HIV co-infection during pregnancy may disrupt immune balance at the maternal–feotal interface
📖https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2024.0400
#placenta #cmv #hiv #immunology
We explore how maternal CMV–HIV co-infection during pregnancy may disrupt immune balance at the maternal–feotal interface
📖https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2024.0400
#placenta #cmv #hiv #immunology
Joining the dots: maternal cytomegalovirus, HIV and the placenta | Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Elucidating how HIV and cytomegalovirus (CMV) co-infection in pregnancy disrupts immune homeostasis at the maternal–fetal interface can provide a foundation for developing intervention strategies to improve infant and maternal health. Of importance is the ...
royalsocietypublishing.org
November 6, 2025 at 12:30 PM
🧬 Just published! Joining the dots: maternal cytomegalovirus, HIV and the placenta.
We explore how maternal CMV–HIV co-infection during pregnancy may disrupt immune balance at the maternal–feotal interface
📖https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2024.0400
#placenta #cmv #hiv #immunology
We explore how maternal CMV–HIV co-infection during pregnancy may disrupt immune balance at the maternal–feotal interface
📖https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2024.0400
#placenta #cmv #hiv #immunology
Meet Fuad Waja in August!
📊As the Biorepository Database Coordinator, Fuad is responsible for overseeing the storage and preservation of our lab’s biological specimens, ensuring optimal conditions to maintain their integrity and viability.
#MeetTheTeam #Biorepository #Immunology #LabOperations
📊As the Biorepository Database Coordinator, Fuad is responsible for overseeing the storage and preservation of our lab’s biological specimens, ensuring optimal conditions to maintain their integrity and viability.
#MeetTheTeam #Biorepository #Immunology #LabOperations
August 1, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Meet Fuad Waja in August!
📊As the Biorepository Database Coordinator, Fuad is responsible for overseeing the storage and preservation of our lab’s biological specimens, ensuring optimal conditions to maintain their integrity and viability.
#MeetTheTeam #Biorepository #Immunology #LabOperations
📊As the Biorepository Database Coordinator, Fuad is responsible for overseeing the storage and preservation of our lab’s biological specimens, ensuring optimal conditions to maintain their integrity and viability.
#MeetTheTeam #Biorepository #Immunology #LabOperations
Doty Ojwach's Future Plans
🚀 ”I aspire to lead translational research that improves lives, bridging lab innovations with real-world impact”
🌱” I see myself directing an African research center in maternal-fetal immunology, mentoring the next generation of African scientists"
#Immunology #WomenSTEM
🚀 ”I aspire to lead translational research that improves lives, bridging lab innovations with real-world impact”
🌱” I see myself directing an African research center in maternal-fetal immunology, mentoring the next generation of African scientists"
#Immunology #WomenSTEM
July 24, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Doty Ojwach's Future Plans
🚀 ”I aspire to lead translational research that improves lives, bridging lab innovations with real-world impact”
🌱” I see myself directing an African research center in maternal-fetal immunology, mentoring the next generation of African scientists"
#Immunology #WomenSTEM
🚀 ”I aspire to lead translational research that improves lives, bridging lab innovations with real-world impact”
🌱” I see myself directing an African research center in maternal-fetal immunology, mentoring the next generation of African scientists"
#Immunology #WomenSTEM
🧪 Thursdays at RIRCA are all about collaboration and discovery!
Each week, our team gathers for a lab catch-up—sharing progress and spotlighting new findings 🔬
#Immunology #LabLife #TeamScience #RIRCA #AfricanScience #ImmunologyEducation #WomenInScience #ScientificCollaboration
Each week, our team gathers for a lab catch-up—sharing progress and spotlighting new findings 🔬
#Immunology #LabLife #TeamScience #RIRCA #AfricanScience #ImmunologyEducation #WomenInScience #ScientificCollaboration
July 24, 2025 at 7:06 AM
🧪 Thursdays at RIRCA are all about collaboration and discovery!
Each week, our team gathers for a lab catch-up—sharing progress and spotlighting new findings 🔬
#Immunology #LabLife #TeamScience #RIRCA #AfricanScience #ImmunologyEducation #WomenInScience #ScientificCollaboration
Each week, our team gathers for a lab catch-up—sharing progress and spotlighting new findings 🔬
#Immunology #LabLife #TeamScience #RIRCA #AfricanScience #ImmunologyEducation #WomenInScience #ScientificCollaboration
Step into Dr Doty Ojwach's world at RIRCA
Watch as Doty takes us through her lab routine for a cell culture.
🧪 Warming media
🧼 Setting up a station at the hood
🔬 Observing cells under the microscope!
🔊 Sound On to follow her journey in the lab!
📽️ Watch the video to #MeetTheTeam
#Immunology
Watch as Doty takes us through her lab routine for a cell culture.
🧪 Warming media
🧼 Setting up a station at the hood
🔬 Observing cells under the microscope!
🔊 Sound On to follow her journey in the lab!
📽️ Watch the video to #MeetTheTeam
#Immunology
July 18, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Step into Dr Doty Ojwach's world at RIRCA
Watch as Doty takes us through her lab routine for a cell culture.
🧪 Warming media
🧼 Setting up a station at the hood
🔬 Observing cells under the microscope!
🔊 Sound On to follow her journey in the lab!
📽️ Watch the video to #MeetTheTeam
#Immunology
Watch as Doty takes us through her lab routine for a cell culture.
🧪 Warming media
🧼 Setting up a station at the hood
🔬 Observing cells under the microscope!
🔊 Sound On to follow her journey in the lab!
📽️ Watch the video to #MeetTheTeam
#Immunology
The Postgraduate #OpenDay2025 was a brilliant showcase of science in action!
🔬The RIRCA team brought science to life with our interactive stand, with videos, examples of instruments, a microscope, and a game designed to spark curiosity and conversation.
We loved meeting future scientists!
🔬The RIRCA team brought science to life with our interactive stand, with videos, examples of instruments, a microscope, and a game designed to spark curiosity and conversation.
We loved meeting future scientists!
July 14, 2025 at 10:09 AM
The Postgraduate #OpenDay2025 was a brilliant showcase of science in action!
🔬The RIRCA team brought science to life with our interactive stand, with videos, examples of instruments, a microscope, and a game designed to spark curiosity and conversation.
We loved meeting future scientists!
🔬The RIRCA team brought science to life with our interactive stand, with videos, examples of instruments, a microscope, and a game designed to spark curiosity and conversation.
We loved meeting future scientists!
🎥 Meet Dr Doty Ojwach (PhD) Ojwach in July!
🥼 Find out about her research at RIRCA as our respected Senior Scientist.
🧬 Doty blends immunology, virology, and placental biology to address safer strategies for pregnant HIV+ women
🎥 Watch the video to #MeetTheTeam
#AfricanScience #immunology
🥼 Find out about her research at RIRCA as our respected Senior Scientist.
🧬 Doty blends immunology, virology, and placental biology to address safer strategies for pregnant HIV+ women
🎥 Watch the video to #MeetTheTeam
#AfricanScience #immunology
July 11, 2025 at 1:23 PM
🎥 Meet Dr Doty Ojwach (PhD) Ojwach in July!
🥼 Find out about her research at RIRCA as our respected Senior Scientist.
🧬 Doty blends immunology, virology, and placental biology to address safer strategies for pregnant HIV+ women
🎥 Watch the video to #MeetTheTeam
#AfricanScience #immunology
🥼 Find out about her research at RIRCA as our respected Senior Scientist.
🧬 Doty blends immunology, virology, and placental biology to address safer strategies for pregnant HIV+ women
🎥 Watch the video to #MeetTheTeam
#AfricanScience #immunology
Meet the Team – Dr Doty Ojwach, Senior Scientist at RIRCA!
🗣️ “I study how HIV and antiretrovirals affect maternal and fetal health—especially through placental macrophages.”
🌍 Her mission: translational science that improves pregnancy outcomes for women living with #HIV.
#Immunology #WomenInScience
🗣️ “I study how HIV and antiretrovirals affect maternal and fetal health—especially through placental macrophages.”
🌍 Her mission: translational science that improves pregnancy outcomes for women living with #HIV.
#Immunology #WomenInScience
July 4, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Meet the Team – Dr Doty Ojwach, Senior Scientist at RIRCA!
🗣️ “I study how HIV and antiretrovirals affect maternal and fetal health—especially through placental macrophages.”
🌍 Her mission: translational science that improves pregnancy outcomes for women living with #HIV.
#Immunology #WomenInScience
🗣️ “I study how HIV and antiretrovirals affect maternal and fetal health—especially through placental macrophages.”
🌍 Her mission: translational science that improves pregnancy outcomes for women living with #HIV.
#Immunology #WomenInScience
📢 RIRCA at FOCIS 2025
🥼Prof Clive Gray chaired the Microbiome and Immunity session.
🧪 Dr Doty Ojwach presented her impactful poster on a study linking HIV treatment and maternal-fetal health.
🧫 Prof Rossouw (University of Pretoria) was also in attendance highlight South African #immunology
🥼Prof Clive Gray chaired the Microbiome and Immunity session.
🧪 Dr Doty Ojwach presented her impactful poster on a study linking HIV treatment and maternal-fetal health.
🧫 Prof Rossouw (University of Pretoria) was also in attendance highlight South African #immunology
July 4, 2025 at 11:55 AM
📢 RIRCA at FOCIS 2025
🥼Prof Clive Gray chaired the Microbiome and Immunity session.
🧪 Dr Doty Ojwach presented her impactful poster on a study linking HIV treatment and maternal-fetal health.
🧫 Prof Rossouw (University of Pretoria) was also in attendance highlight South African #immunology
🥼Prof Clive Gray chaired the Microbiome and Immunity session.
🧪 Dr Doty Ojwach presented her impactful poster on a study linking HIV treatment and maternal-fetal health.
🧫 Prof Rossouw (University of Pretoria) was also in attendance highlight South African #immunology
🚗 Meet Franklin Erasmus – the Man Behind the Specimen Move! He shares how he got started in logistics and what led him to join the RIRCA team.
From his first steps into specimen transport to his role today. Watch the video and hear Franklin’s story
#RIRCA #ScienceInAction #Immunology #AfricanScience
From his first steps into specimen transport to his role today. Watch the video and hear Franklin’s story
#RIRCA #ScienceInAction #Immunology #AfricanScience
June 20, 2025 at 9:04 AM
🚗 Meet Franklin Erasmus – the Man Behind the Specimen Move! He shares how he got started in logistics and what led him to join the RIRCA team.
From his first steps into specimen transport to his role today. Watch the video and hear Franklin’s story
#RIRCA #ScienceInAction #Immunology #AfricanScience
From his first steps into specimen transport to his role today. Watch the video and hear Franklin’s story
#RIRCA #ScienceInAction #Immunology #AfricanScience
📢 Meet the RIRCA Team! In June, we are highlighting Franklin Erasmus, our dedicated Logistics Officer!
Franklin gave a quick peek into his role at RIRCA and how he likes to spend his downtime
🎥 Watch the video below 👇
#MeetTheTeam #Immunology #AfricanScience
Franklin gave a quick peek into his role at RIRCA and how he likes to spend his downtime
🎥 Watch the video below 👇
#MeetTheTeam #Immunology #AfricanScience
June 13, 2025 at 8:18 AM
📢 Meet the RIRCA Team! In June, we are highlighting Franklin Erasmus, our dedicated Logistics Officer!
Franklin gave a quick peek into his role at RIRCA and how he likes to spend his downtime
🎥 Watch the video below 👇
#MeetTheTeam #Immunology #AfricanScience
Franklin gave a quick peek into his role at RIRCA and how he likes to spend his downtime
🎥 Watch the video below 👇
#MeetTheTeam #Immunology #AfricanScience
🔬 Meet Our RIRCA Team! Nicole Prins, our Scientific Officer & MSc student has a passion for immunology and research on early-life immune development.
💡 Stay curious & find strong mentorship
🚀 Future goal of impactful translational research in Africa
#Immunology #AfricanScience #WomenInScience #Lab
💡 Stay curious & find strong mentorship
🚀 Future goal of impactful translational research in Africa
#Immunology #AfricanScience #WomenInScience #Lab
May 29, 2025 at 8:24 AM
🔬 Meet Our RIRCA Team! Nicole Prins, our Scientific Officer & MSc student has a passion for immunology and research on early-life immune development.
💡 Stay curious & find strong mentorship
🚀 Future goal of impactful translational research in Africa
#Immunology #AfricanScience #WomenInScience #Lab
💡 Stay curious & find strong mentorship
🚀 Future goal of impactful translational research in Africa
#Immunology #AfricanScience #WomenInScience #Lab
🔬 Meet Our RIRCA Team! Spotlighting Nicole Prins, Scientific Officer & MSc student!
💡 Behind-the-scenes glimpse into her CMV research.
🎥 Watch Nicole in action below!
#Immunology #AfricanScience #MedicalResearch #CMV #ScienceSpotlight #WomenInScience #Lab
💡 Behind-the-scenes glimpse into her CMV research.
🎥 Watch Nicole in action below!
#Immunology #AfricanScience #MedicalResearch #CMV #ScienceSpotlight #WomenInScience #Lab
May 23, 2025 at 8:30 AM
🔬 Meet Our RIRCA Team! Spotlighting Nicole Prins, Scientific Officer & MSc student!
💡 Behind-the-scenes glimpse into her CMV research.
🎥 Watch Nicole in action below!
#Immunology #AfricanScience #MedicalResearch #CMV #ScienceSpotlight #WomenInScience #Lab
💡 Behind-the-scenes glimpse into her CMV research.
🎥 Watch Nicole in action below!
#Immunology #AfricanScience #MedicalResearch #CMV #ScienceSpotlight #WomenInScience #Lab
Reposted by RIRCA
🧬 Imagine mapping biology in 3D – spatial omics makes it possible!
Join our advanced online course 'Single cell and spatial omics' 2–13 June and gain in-demand skills for your research and CV.
👉 Secure your spot today! 50% discount for members 👀 https://bit.ly/447QN0a
Join our advanced online course 'Single cell and spatial omics' 2–13 June and gain in-demand skills for your research and CV.
👉 Secure your spot today! 50% discount for members 👀 https://bit.ly/447QN0a
May 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM
🧬 Imagine mapping biology in 3D – spatial omics makes it possible!
Join our advanced online course 'Single cell and spatial omics' 2–13 June and gain in-demand skills for your research and CV.
👉 Secure your spot today! 50% discount for members 👀 https://bit.ly/447QN0a
Join our advanced online course 'Single cell and spatial omics' 2–13 June and gain in-demand skills for your research and CV.
👉 Secure your spot today! 50% discount for members 👀 https://bit.ly/447QN0a
Team Highlight! Nicole Prins our Scientific Officer: 10 years' experience on diverse research projects. I process specimens, optimize assays, and train staff & students. I especially enjoy conducting experiments and data analysis. I’m currently completing my MSc at SU #immunology
#AfricanScience
#AfricanScience
May 7, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Team Highlight! Nicole Prins our Scientific Officer: 10 years' experience on diverse research projects. I process specimens, optimize assays, and train staff & students. I especially enjoy conducting experiments and data analysis. I’m currently completing my MSc at SU #immunology
#AfricanScience
#AfricanScience
Nikon Small World Competition closes 30 April! Enter either the 📸 Photomicrography Competition for still images or 🎥 Small World in Motion (SWIM) for videos.
🏆$3,000 for first-place winners! Every entry to receive a Nikon Small World calendar www.nikonsmallworld.com
#Microscopy #Photography
🏆$3,000 for first-place winners! Every entry to receive a Nikon Small World calendar www.nikonsmallworld.com
#Microscopy #Photography
Nikon Small World
Nikon Small World
Celebrating 50 years of images captured by the light microscope.
Nikon Small World is regarded as the leading forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen
www.nikonsmallworld.com
April 15, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Nikon Small World Competition closes 30 April! Enter either the 📸 Photomicrography Competition for still images or 🎥 Small World in Motion (SWIM) for videos.
🏆$3,000 for first-place winners! Every entry to receive a Nikon Small World calendar www.nikonsmallworld.com
#Microscopy #Photography
🏆$3,000 for first-place winners! Every entry to receive a Nikon Small World calendar www.nikonsmallworld.com
#Microscopy #Photography
📢 Dr Doty Ojwach from our team will present her research “Investigating placental macrophages in maternal HIV and antiretroviral therapy” at the Harvard University Center for AIDS Research Research in Progress!
📅 Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2PM CAT
📌 Hybrid! mailchi.mp/6cfe068bb654...
#HIV #immunology
📅 Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2PM CAT
📌 Hybrid! mailchi.mp/6cfe068bb654...
#HIV #immunology
April 10, 2025 at 7:02 AM
📢 Dr Doty Ojwach from our team will present her research “Investigating placental macrophages in maternal HIV and antiretroviral therapy” at the Harvard University Center for AIDS Research Research in Progress!
📅 Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2PM CAT
📌 Hybrid! mailchi.mp/6cfe068bb654...
#HIV #immunology
📅 Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2PM CAT
📌 Hybrid! mailchi.mp/6cfe068bb654...
#HIV #immunology
It's World Health Day! The WHO theme is "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures". At RIRCA, we remember that our collective vision to improve mother and child health in Africa 🌍 through immunology research 🔬“NGOBUNYE” – Together we Thrive! 🤝#WorldHealthDay #immunology #maternalhealth #birth
April 7, 2025 at 10:19 AM
It's World Health Day! The WHO theme is "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures". At RIRCA, we remember that our collective vision to improve mother and child health in Africa 🌍 through immunology research 🔬“NGOBUNYE” – Together we Thrive! 🤝#WorldHealthDay #immunology #maternalhealth #birth
Reposted by RIRCA
Mark your calendars for this year's Day of Immunology !
This year's theme is "Brain and Immunity: Immunological insights into neurologic disorders"
📅 Date: April 29, 2025
⏰ Time: 15:00 – 18:00 CEST
💻 Format: Online Webinar
🔗 Register here: immunohub.iuis.org/iuis/2024/we...
This year's theme is "Brain and Immunity: Immunological insights into neurologic disorders"
📅 Date: April 29, 2025
⏰ Time: 15:00 – 18:00 CEST
💻 Format: Online Webinar
🔗 Register here: immunohub.iuis.org/iuis/2024/we...
April 4, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Mark your calendars for this year's Day of Immunology !
This year's theme is "Brain and Immunity: Immunological insights into neurologic disorders"
📅 Date: April 29, 2025
⏰ Time: 15:00 – 18:00 CEST
💻 Format: Online Webinar
🔗 Register here: immunohub.iuis.org/iuis/2024/we...
This year's theme is "Brain and Immunity: Immunological insights into neurologic disorders"
📅 Date: April 29, 2025
⏰ Time: 15:00 – 18:00 CEST
💻 Format: Online Webinar
🔗 Register here: immunohub.iuis.org/iuis/2024/we...
Reposted by RIRCA
Exciting opportunity! Applications to host an IUIS course in 2026 are open!
www.surveymonkey.com/r/IUISCourse...
#course #immunology #education
More below:
www.surveymonkey.com/r/IUISCourse...
#course #immunology #education
More below:
April 4, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Exciting opportunity! Applications to host an IUIS course in 2026 are open!
www.surveymonkey.com/r/IUISCourse...
#course #immunology #education
More below:
www.surveymonkey.com/r/IUISCourse...
#course #immunology #education
More below:
Reposted by RIRCA
Applications for Immuno-Peru 2025 are open!
This IUIS-ALACI-PSI course will focus on a variety of endemic and emerging diseases related to environmental and climate change.
www.immunopaedia.org.za/course-appli...
#course #education #immunology #science #research
This IUIS-ALACI-PSI course will focus on a variety of endemic and emerging diseases related to environmental and climate change.
www.immunopaedia.org.za/course-appli...
#course #education #immunology #science #research
March 6, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Applications for Immuno-Peru 2025 are open!
This IUIS-ALACI-PSI course will focus on a variety of endemic and emerging diseases related to environmental and climate change.
www.immunopaedia.org.za/course-appli...
#course #education #immunology #science #research
This IUIS-ALACI-PSI course will focus on a variety of endemic and emerging diseases related to environmental and climate change.
www.immunopaedia.org.za/course-appli...
#course #education #immunology #science #research
Reposted by RIRCA
📢 It's #WorldTuberculosisDay 2025!
#TB is preventable and curable, yet millions are still affected!
This year we focus on early diagnosis, universal treatment access & the responsible use of medicines to save lives & stop the spread.
➡️ bit.ly/WorldTBDay2025
#TB #Tuberculosis #WorldTBDay #EndTB
#TB is preventable and curable, yet millions are still affected!
This year we focus on early diagnosis, universal treatment access & the responsible use of medicines to save lives & stop the spread.
➡️ bit.ly/WorldTBDay2025
#TB #Tuberculosis #WorldTBDay #EndTB
World Tuberculosis Day 2025
World Tuberculosis Day, marked each year on 24 March, is an occasion to raise awareness and advocate for efforts to eliminate TB.
bit.ly
March 24, 2025 at 9:02 AM
📢 It's #WorldTuberculosisDay 2025!
#TB is preventable and curable, yet millions are still affected!
This year we focus on early diagnosis, universal treatment access & the responsible use of medicines to save lives & stop the spread.
➡️ bit.ly/WorldTBDay2025
#TB #Tuberculosis #WorldTBDay #EndTB
#TB is preventable and curable, yet millions are still affected!
This year we focus on early diagnosis, universal treatment access & the responsible use of medicines to save lives & stop the spread.
➡️ bit.ly/WorldTBDay2025
#TB #Tuberculosis #WorldTBDay #EndTB
Reposted by RIRCA
Today is #WorldTBDay.
#Tuberculosis - or TB - is caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis that mainly affects the lungs.
Common symptoms include
❗️ Cough
❗️ Chest pains
❗️ Weight loss
❗️ Fever
❗️ Night sweats
Learn more about TB 👉 bit.ly/3yYNwzx #EndTB
#Tuberculosis - or TB - is caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis that mainly affects the lungs.
Common symptoms include
❗️ Cough
❗️ Chest pains
❗️ Weight loss
❗️ Fever
❗️ Night sweats
Learn more about TB 👉 bit.ly/3yYNwzx #EndTB
March 24, 2025 at 1:53 AM
Today is #WorldTBDay.
#Tuberculosis - or TB - is caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis that mainly affects the lungs.
Common symptoms include
❗️ Cough
❗️ Chest pains
❗️ Weight loss
❗️ Fever
❗️ Night sweats
Learn more about TB 👉 bit.ly/3yYNwzx #EndTB
#Tuberculosis - or TB - is caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis that mainly affects the lungs.
Common symptoms include
❗️ Cough
❗️ Chest pains
❗️ Weight loss
❗️ Fever
❗️ Night sweats
Learn more about TB 👉 bit.ly/3yYNwzx #EndTB
The Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa (RIRCA) is pioneering research to uncover immunological factors 🔬 impacting birth outcomes, especially for infants born to mothers living with HIV🤰Established in 2021, we aim to drive positive change with communities! 💪
#HIV #immunology
#HIV #immunology
March 24, 2025 at 2:31 PM
The Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa (RIRCA) is pioneering research to uncover immunological factors 🔬 impacting birth outcomes, especially for infants born to mothers living with HIV🤰Established in 2021, we aim to drive positive change with communities! 💪
#HIV #immunology
#HIV #immunology