Eduard Roos

Ever since studying biology, and tuberculosis (TB) in particular, I have been fascinated by one question: How can we make healthcare more accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live or the resources available to them?

I hold a PhD in Molecular Biology from Stellenbosch University and have extensive research experience in tuberculosis diagnostics, molecular biology, and genomics. My career has included research positions at the Pirbright Institute and South Africa's Agricultural Research Council, as well as lecturing in Wildlife Health and Immunology at the Royal Veterinary College in the UK.

My published research demonstrates my experience in the scientific approaches underpinning ActiWGS TB, including:

Whole-genome sequencing of Mycobacterium bovis (2023), demonstrating how genomic analysis improves our understanding of TB transmission between wildlife populations.

Development of a molecular diagnostic assay for bovine TB (2019), investigating new ways to detect tuberculosis infection in wildlife.

My passion lies in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical solutions. I believe some of the most meaningful breakthroughs come from rethinking how we use technologies that already exist.

This thinking inspired ActiWGS TB. Drawing on my experience in TB research and whole-genome sequencing, I am leading this project alongside specialist laboratory collaborators to investigate whether we can obtain meaningful genomic information without the lengthy bacterial culture process.

For me, science is most rewarding when it moves beyond the laboratory and makes a real difference in people's lives.

Explore my research and scientific background

Google Scholar: Publications and citations

ResearchGate: Research projects and publications

ORCID: Verified researcher profile

Personal academic website

October 2026