Prof. Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya is a leading epidemiologist and public health expert, currently serving as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation at the University of Johannesburg. With an illustrious career and leadership roles at North-West University and the Human Sciences Research Council, she has significantly contributed to science, innovation, and policy development. A fellow of the African Academy of Sciences and an NRF-rated scientist, she has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 HERS-SA Lifetime Achiever Award. At the WLHE Summit 2025, she will share invaluable insights on advancing research excellence and fostering women’s leadership in academia.