Prof receives Vice-Chancellor’s Award for research excellence at UKZN

Professor Rubeshan Perumal, a distinguished pulmonologist and academic, has been awarded the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

This prestigious recognition celebrates his groundbreaking contributions to tuberculosis (TB) and HIV research, as well as his sustained academic innovation.

UKZN, in a statement, lauded Professor Perumal’s extensive roles, that include serving as an associate professor of clinical medicine, consultant pulmonologist in the Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, and Head of TB/HIV Treatment Research at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (Caprisa).

A clinician-scientist with an illustrious academic background, Perumal has dedicated his career to tackling drug-resistant TB, a pressing global health challenge. His work focuses on optimising treatments for this severe form of the disease.

“From very early on, I felt inspired to maintain an unflinching focus on saving the lives of people living with HIV and TB, especially those with drug-resistant forms of the disease,” he said.

Professor Perumal’s journey began in 2005 during his first year of medical school at Caprisa. Since then, he has earned an impressive array of qualifications, including an MBChB, MMed (Internal Medicine), MPhil (Pulmonology), MPH (Public Health), and a PhD in Medicine.

Despite TB being curable, the disease claims over 1.5 million lives annually.

"A substantial amount of work remains if we are to turn the tide on this ancient, relentless scourge," he said, attributing his career trajectory to the mentorship of prominent experts such as Professors Salim Abdool Karim, Kogie Naidoo, and Keertan Dheda.

Professor Perumal has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including The Lancet and The New England Journal of Medicine. He is a principal or co-investigator in over 10 clinical trials, shaping the future of TB and HIV care and treatment.

Beyond his research, Professor Perumal is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of clinicians, coordinating undergraduate training in internal medicine and supervising postgraduate and doctoral students.

Outside academia, Professor Perumal advises on TB policy and treatment through roles in the KwaZulu-Natal Drug-Resistant TB Advisory Group and the National TB Think Tank.

Reflecting on his career, he paid tribute to his late father, Professor Ronnie Perumal, who inspired his commitment to scholarship and service.

“My father exemplified a life of service to scholarship and human progress. All that I hope to be is inspired by his selfless career,” he said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UKZN’s College of Health Sciences, Professor Busisiwe Ncama, hailed Professor Perumal as a role model.

“Life as a clinician-scientist straddles the poetic intersection between the austerity of scientific empiricism and the artistry inherent in caring for people in their most desperate state of illness. I feel deeply blessed” said Professor Perumal.