Eduard Roos

I am a passionate and inquisitive enthusiast of the natural world, a journey that began in my formative years and culminated in the completion of my undergraduate studies in Zoology at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. During my final year, I had the privilege of participating in a mentorship program under the guidance of Prof Armanda Bastos, working on African swine fever under BSL-3 conditions at the ARC Transboundary Animal Disease program. My academic pursuit led me to the University of the Free State, where I earned a BSc. Hons. in Zoology at the Qwaqwa campus. Here, under the mentorship of Dr Johann van As and Prof Oriel Thekisoe, my focus shifted towards unravelling the phylogenetic relationships of haemoparasites in the local crag-lizard population, providing invaluable insights into the intricacies of their ecology.
Continuing my quest for knowledge, I embarked on a transformative journey at Stellenbosch University, commencing an MSc. in Molecular Biology in 2015, which later evolved into a comprehensive PhD project in 2016. Under the guidance of Prof Michele Miller and Dr Sven Parsons, my research focused on identifying molecular diagnostic methods for detecting Mycobacterium bovis (Bovine TB) infection in Phacochoerus africanus (Common Warthog). Simultaneously, I explored the phylogenetic relationships of the bacteria, contributing to our understanding of disease dynamics. Having successfully completed my doctoral studies in 2018, I sought new horizons at the Pirbright Institute in 2019. There, my endeavours centred on investigating antibody cross reactivity, with the goal of developing cutting-edge bio-imaging reagents for diverse viral diseases, including African Swine Fever and Foot-and-Mouth disease.
In 2022, I transitioned to industry with Clinomics (Pty) Ltd, assuming the role of a Specialist in Research and Development. In this capacity, my focus has been on crafting innovative diagnostics and immune therapies, contributing to the advancement of animal health. Recently, in 2024, I have joined the Agricultural Research Council within the Transboundary Animal Disease program as a Researcher. This role allows me to leverage my expertise to address critical challenges in animal health, showcasing my commitment to the intersection of research and practical application in the field of veterinary science.