Professor Valerie Corfield is a Medical Scientist at Stellenbosch University. Valerie’s academic career spans 45 years, three continents and the three main branches of life, bacteria, plants and animals (human). She holds a BSc Hons Botany (University of Bristol, UK), an MSc Biological Sciences (Wright State University, USA) and a PhD Genetics (University of the Witwatersrand, SA). Valerie’s research focus for the past 25 years has been inherited heart disease in South Africa.

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Now, semi-retired, Valerie has time to devote to “scientific citizenship”. She serves on several NRF committees; works with the DNA Project and the Public Understanding of Biotechnology initiative and runs presentation skills workshops. She also indulges in her scientific hobby, developing and presenting interactive workshops and designing exhibits which engage the general public in a greater appreciation of science, biomedicine and technology and their societal implications.

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