Twelve researchers were offered the opportunity to reflect on the key challenges and opportunities faced by the field of genetics and genomics in an expert-led exploration. This initiative was in celebration of Nature Reviews Genetics’ 20th anniversary. Professor Ambroise Wonkam, director of Genetic Medicine of African Populations (GeneMAP) based at the Division of Human Genetics, in the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Health Sciences is amongst these researchers.

The South African Medical Research Council strongly supports excellence in health research and has established a set of medal awards to recognise world-class science. The Awards are among South Africa’s most prestigious and are dedicated to contributions to health research in South Africa.