ACTIvating biology for therapeutics
about us
RE:ACTI
The Africa Centre for Therapeutic Innovation (ACTI) at Stellenbosch University was established in 2025 as a Type 1 Centre to advance transdisciplinary drug discovery research aimed at health innovations. ACTI aims to foster collaboration across disciplines through a strong stakeholder-driven focus on developing a mechanistic understanding of drug actions, supported by experimental (in vivo and ex vivo) and mathematical disease translational models. Given its specialized expertise and discipline focus, ACTI’s activities and capabilities are distinct from other regional and continental efforts in drug discovery.
what we do
ACTIvities
Transdisciplinary drug discovery & therapeutic innovation through mechanistic understanding of drug action
Research
Our research activities are focused on driving Drug Discovery and Development and Therapeutic Innovation from a biology perspective, using tools from all disciplines to achieve a better understanding of the context of drug action. We are therefore especially focused on Target Identification and Target Validation, determining the Mode of Action of biologically active molecules, and in appropriate Assay Development.
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Platforms
Our centre is home to several platforms that can support drug discovery projects. These include a platform for macro- and microscoping imaging, a Zebrafish model organism platform, and several screening platforms, including the MMV-supported malaria parasite transmission blocking screening platform.
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Training
ACTI is ACTive in supporting training initiatives related to Drug Discovery and Therapeutic Innovation, including hosting seminars and workshops – such as the RAFIKI Preclinical Drug Discovery Workshop that will be held in October 2025.
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news
ACTualities
who we are
ACTors
Members
External Advisory Committee (EAC)
our funding partners
ACTIvators
our collaborators and network partners
co-ACTors
ACTI is currently part of several networks supporting drug discovery on the African continent, and also collaborates with research groups and institutes across the globe.
Networks
Collaborators
