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Meet Lungelo Mtshali, a first-year Bachelor of Science in Biomedicine student at our Midrand Campus who secured a R60,000 research publication grant for her project on early human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) diagnosis in rural communities.
Eduvos believes that the power to change the world doesn't wait for a degree. It starts with a single idea, backed by passion and purpose, to which Lungelo is living proof of this belief. Her recent triumph at the Eduvos Research Indaba is not just a personal victory; it's a beacon of what happens when academic rigour meets a profound commitment to community.
During the Indaba, Lungelo took to the stage to present her project: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Early HIV Diagnosis Among Youth in Rural Communities.” The project immediately stood out for its innovative fusion of cutting-edge technology and deep social awareness. Lungelo didn't just propose an artificial intelligence (AI) tool; she designed a solution that is accessible, culturally sensitive, and built with the specific needs of underserved communities in KwaZulu-Natal in mind.
“What made this especially meaningful to me,” Lungelo shares, “is that the project was created with the intention of addressing real issues faced in underserved and rural communities. My aim has always been to bridge gaps in early HIV diagnosis by using AI tools in ways that are community-centred.”
The impact of her work was undeniable. Following her presentation, the Eduvos Research and Postgraduate Studies (RPGS) team selected Lungelo’s project for a comprehensive mentorship and publication opportunity. This prestigious package includes:
For Lungelo, the selection was a powerful affirmation of her mission. “Being selected for this opportunity reaffirmed that the work I am doing matters,” she says. “It is incredibly encouraging as a first-year student to know that my voice and my research can contribute toward improved health outcomes and align with broader development goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the African Union's Africa’s Agenda 2063”.
Her success underscores a core Eduvos value that impactful research is not conducted on communities, but with them. By centring her work on real-world problems, Lungelo has demonstrated how academia can be a powerful engine for tangible, positive change.
“I am deeply grateful for this recognition and excited to continue developing this project with the mentorship it deserves,” Lungelo concludes. Her journey is just beginning, but it already serves as a profound inspiration. Lungelo Mtshali is not just a Biomedicine student in the Faculty of Applied Science; she is a future leader in health innovation, and as Eduvos, we are incredibly proud to help nurture and launch her potential.
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