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Kelly Chibale

A distinguished figure and leading expert in African-centric Drug Discovery & Development

About Kelly Chibale

Kelly Chibale is a full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Cape Town (UCT) where he holds the Neville Isdell Chair in African-centric Drug Discovery & Development. 

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Latest News

Kelly Chibale elected to the United States National Academy of Sciences (2025) and selected as an American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) Distinguished International Fellow (2025)

Professor Kelly Chibale was recently named an ASTMH Distinguished International Fellow and delivered the Commemorative Lecture at the Closing Plenary Keynote of the ASTMH Annual Meeting in Toronto. He was also formally inducted as an International Member of the United States National Academy of Medicine, following his election in 2024 – recognition that underscores the growing global impact of African-led scientific innovation. 📸 Pictured with Victor J. Dzau, President of the US National Academy of Medicine.

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Kelly Chibale

Find the latest news, interviews, podcasts and developments related to Kelly Chibale here.

NEW ARTICLE: The Guardian

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In collaboration with AI2050 and Schmidt Sciences, I’m excited to share this film where I discuss how AI is helping us leapfrog barriers in drug discovery and tailoring medicines for the diverse genetic makeup of African populations.

Media

Professor Kelly Chibale: Drug Discovery Group

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H3D - African Drug Discovery Platform

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Awards & Honours

Kelly Chibale's extraordinary journey is marked by an impressive array of recognitions and accolades that affirm his stellar contributions to science, innovation and leadership.

Elected to the United States NationAcademy of Medicine in 2024

 Royal Society (UK) Africa Prize in 2023

Elected to an Honorary Fellowship of Queens’ College, University of Cambridge (UK) in 2024

Named as one of Fortune 

Magazine’s World’s 50 Greatest 

Leaders in 2018

Elected to the United States National Academy of Sciences in 2025