Dedicated to Excellence in Laboratory Medicine
Pioneering Diagnostic Innovations in Africa with Agility and Multidisciplinary Expertise in a Rapidly Evolving Healthcare Environment.
Who we are
Under the leadership of Prof. Wendy Stevens, the Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub is a formally recognised Innovation Hub of the University of the Witwatersrand, hosted within the Faculty of Health Sciences, and its governance is managed by the Health Sciences Research Office and Wits Health Consortium. Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub is also linked to the Wits Innovation Centre (WIC) and the new Infectious Diseases and Cancer Institute (IDORI).
The Wits DIH is composed of well accomplished, internationally recognised academics and seasoned leaders in laboratory medicine. Our multidisciplinary team includes pathologists, medical scientists, clinicians, medical technologists and technicians, biomedical engineers, data information engineers, and health economists. They are supported by a Chief Operations Officer and Divisional Leads overseeing five core pillars: Diagnostic Research & Innovations, Laboratories, Implementation, IT & Digital Health, Finance & Grants, combined with overall strategy.
We are a dynamic diagnostic and research entity housed within the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa. Officially recognised by the University Research Committee Faculty of Health Sciences, our operations are overseen by the Wits Health Consortium, ensuring the highest standards of administration and governance.
At Wits DIH, we proudly serve as a pivotal ‘hub’ within the Wits Innovation Centre (WIC), championing a culture of laboratory medicine innovations across the faculty. As part of our commitment to fostering groundbreaking research, we actively contribute to the Wits Strategic Plan for Innovation, driving forward-thinking initiatives that propel our institution to the forefront of scientific advancement.
We are also the centralised sequencing laboratory of the Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI). We play a critical role in advancing research agendas through our cutting-edge capabilities and collaborative approach to empower researchers to unravel the complexities of infectious diseases and oncology, paving the way for impactful discoveries and improved patient outcomes.
Our Mission & Vision
To accelerate access to affordable diagnostics for those in greatest need, fostering innovation across the pathology value chain. Wits DIH is dedicated to serving as a beacon for laboratory medicine innovation, offering a collaborative platform for academia, manufacturers, governments, regulatory authorities, and our most important stakeholders, YOU.
We continue to build and strengthen alliances with leading academics and institutions, united by common research and innovation goals. Our collective aim is to translate new research ideas and methods into practical solutions that benefit society at large in South Africa and its regional partners.
Our Strategic Approach
Our Services
Research & Development
Digital Health Technologies, Data Hosting, and Advanced Analytics
Implementation Science
Health Technology Assessments (HTAs)
Clinical Trials Support
Our Team
Academic Leaders
Laboratory Medicine Specialists
Pathology Platform
Collaborative Innovators
Technology Pioneers
Our Mission & Vision
To accelerate access to affordable diagnostics for those in greatest need, fostering innovation across the pathology value chain. Wits DIH is dedicated to serving as a beacon for laboratory medicine innovation, offering a collaborative platform for academia, manufacturers, governments, regulatory authorities, and our most important stakeholders, YOU.
We continue to build and strengthen alliances with leading academics and institutions, united by common research and innovation goals. Our collective aim is to translate new research ideas and methods into practical solutions that benefit society at large in South Africa and its regional partners.
Strong Foundations Build strong futures.
01. Academic leaders with an experienced multi-disciplinary team
Encourage a culture of innovation and support career growth and university IP development to improve patient care.
02. Experienced in laboratory medicine
Understand health priorities and Identify gaps through large scale testing programs that focuses research and drives innovative R&D to change policy.
03. Experienced in laboratory medicine
Support research and R&D through good laboratory practice with biorepository and training facilities.
04. Independent and collaborative
Perform laboratory and clinical evaluations across the pathology value chain and disseminate knowledge within compliance frameworks. Attract relevant funding through Wits.
05. Expand the boundaries of diagnostics
Leverage molecular technologies, integrate digital health, apply big data analytics. Help bridge the gap from idea to value. ‘One Health’ approach to addressing global health challenges.
Accelerating access to the most affordable innovative diagnostics, to those who need it the most.
01. Continue building a multi-disciplinary team and expand training to the region
Encourage a culture of innovation and support career growth and university IP development to improve patient care. Continue to seek funding for ongoing innovation development & implementation.
02. Core sequencing laboratory to support the region
Positioned as a core sequencing facility, to support molecular diagnostics for Oncology Precision Therapeutics in Public Health sector, as well as research and training (NGS, bioinformatics, etc.)
03. Support the dedicated pathology laboratory platform
Strengthen research and R&D through good laboratory practice with biorepository and training to offer quality clinical trial services for research in the region
04. Focus innovations on patient centric approaches, pandemic preparedness and climate health
Remain relevant by shifting focus to meet the demands of pertinent global health challenges and patient centred diagnostic services.
Funding Opportunities
C-THAN
The Center for Innovation in Point-of-Care Technologies for HIV/AIDS and Emerging Infectious Diseases (C-THAN), based at Northwestern University, is part of the renowned Point-of-Care Technology Research Network (POCTRN). Wits DIH is one of nine African partner sites in this extensive network. Together, we work to accelerate the development of innovative point-of-care technologies (POCT) that address key healthcare challenges in South Africa and across the continent.