Our Key Highlights
Explore the significant achievements and milestones that define NuMeRI's journey in advancing nuclear medicine research and innovation.
Professor Mike Sathekge Wins 2025/26 Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award
Professor Mike Sathekge, Head of Nuclear Medicine at UP and CEO of NuMeRI, has been awarded the prestigious R3-million Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award for his pioneering work in theranostics aimed at making aggressive breast cancer a manageable disease. In collaboration with KU Leuven in Belgium, the project develops Trop2-targeted nanobody imaging and therapy to improve diagnosis, patient selection and treatment precision.
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Making Breast Cancer More Manageable, Treatable and Survivable
Professor Mike Sathekge outlines how NuMeRI's theranostics platform, combining Trop2-targeted PET imaging with fluorine-18 nanobodies and actinium-225 alpha therapy, could transform breast cancer care in South Africa and beyond. The approach aims to detect cancer earlier, select patients more accurately and deliver treatment precise down to the level of individual cells.
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Presidential Visit
President Cyril Ramaphosa visited NuMeRI on 24 June 2025, describing it as "a world-class example of public sector innovation and scientific excellence." The President praised the facility as a model for public healthcare and commended the inclusive, collaborative culture at Steve Biko Academic Hospital.
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Professor Mike Sathekge Earns Dual Honours
Professor Mike Sathekge, Head of Nuclear Medicine at UP and CEO of NuMeRI, has been named a Fellow of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) - the first from the African continent. He also received an honorary doctorate from North-West University for his pioneering contributions to nuclear medicine and targeted cancer therapies in Africa.
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EU-SA Collaboration Agreement
NuMeRI has signed a groundbreaking collaboration agreement with the European Commission's Joint Research Centre during the 8th EU-SA Summit in Cape Town. This partnership will advance nuclear medicine in South Africa through enhanced cancer diagnosis, targeted therapies, radioisotope production, and specialized training programs.
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Professor Munir Ghesani Visit
NuMeRI was privileged to host Professor Munir Ghesani, an experienced nuclear medicine expert and President-elect of SNMMI. His informative presentations on lung cancer imaging and PET/CT features were well received by our team.
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IAEA Anchor Center Designation
NuMeRI-SBAH has been designated as an Anchor Center by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under the Rays of Hope initiative. This prestigious recognition acknowledges our deep technical expertise, robust infrastructure, and commitment to expanding cancer care access across Africa.
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G20 Health UK-South Africa Partnership
NuMeRI continues to strengthen international partnerships through collaboration with the United Kingdom in advancing health innovation and research. This partnership highlights our commitment to global health cooperation and knowledge exchange in nuclear medicine.
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Additional Resources by Prof John Buscombe
Download the presentation slides delivered by Prof John Buscombe, including PET/CT, theragnostics and other advanced nuclear medicine topics.
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Dr Keamogetswe Ramonaheng Receives Global Theranostics Awards
Dr Keamogetswe Ramonaheng, Lecturer at the University of Pretoria and Head of Medical Physics and Radiobiology at NuMeRI, received the prestigious Saul Hertz Award and Best Poster Award at the 8th World Theranostic Congress. The recognition highlights her groundbreaking work in patient-specific dosimetry to improve the safety, effectiveness and personalisation of cancer treatment.
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NuMeRI Hosts IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi to Strengthen Global Nuclear Technology Collaboration
On 8 October 2025, NuMeRI hosted IAEA Director-General Mr Rafael Grossi, marking a milestone for South Africa’s nuclear technology collaboration across energy, research reactors, human capital development and peaceful applications. The visit, coinciding with the G20 Nuclear Energy Ministerial, highlighted NuMeRI’s role as an IAEA Rays of Hope Anchor Centre advancing clinical innovation, training and international partnerships.
Read ArticleCelebrating Our Achievements
These highlights represent the dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit that drive NuMeRI's mission to advance nuclear medicine research and improve healthcare outcomes.