EXPERIENCE
Dr Doty Ojwach earned her Doctorate in Virology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal at the HIV Pathogenesis program. In her current role at RIRCA, Doty leverages her profound scientific knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between HIV replication and HIV immunity. Her primary focus is on investigating the consequences of maternal HIV and/or CMV co-infection and how these dynamics impact the development of fetal immunity, starting by investigations in the placenta. Doty’s work represents a vital contribution to our understanding of the complex interactions between viral infections and the immune system during pregnancy.
INTERVIEWS
INTRODUCTION
Dr. Doty Ojwach, Senior Scientist at RIRCA based at the Division of Immunology.
Doty introduced herself:
🗣️“My work focuses on understanding how HIV and antiretroviral drugs affect maternal and foetal health, with a particular interest in placental macrophages and immune signalling”.
🧪Her work bridges science and care – leading research projects, mentoring students, and collaborating with global experts to improve pregnancy outcomes for women living with HIV.
🌍 Her mission? “Translational research that transforms lives – building capacity across Africa and advancing reproductive immunology”.
YOUR CURRENT PROJECT
🎥 Meet Dr Doty Ojwach
🥼 Find out about her research at RIRCA as our respected Senior Scientist.
🧬 By blending immunology, virology, and placental biology, Doty’s work aims to create safer strategies for pregnant women living with HIV
🥾 Find out what Doty gets up to beyond the lab and how she inspires the next generation of scientists!
AWARDS
| Award Name | Dates | Presentation Title | Amount |
| New Investigator award-Conferences on retroviruses and opportunistic infections | 9-13 March 2025 | First-line Regimen Antiretroviral drugs disrupt placental macrophage function and vascular development, which can be rescued by exogenous FXIIIA1-Poster | $3000 |
| The Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research – Cambridge University | 9-13 September 2024 | First-line Regimen Antiretroviral drugs disrupt placental macrophage function and vascular development, which can be rescued by exogenous FXIIIA1 | £150 |
| 3rd Lindau Nobel online sciathon team project-winner | 28-30 April 2023 | Phototherapy for the Treatment of Endometriosis (video recording) | |
| Female Science Talents-award | 01/01/2023 – 31/01/2023 | 1-year mentorship, 2-times career training in Germany, and oral presentation opportunity at Berlin Falling Walls 2023 | £8000 |
| 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting | 25-30 June 2023 | Phototherapy for the Treatment of Endometriosis (Oral and video recording) |
AWARDED GRANTS
| Funding Body/Grant Name | Dates | Project Title | Amount |
| UK-SAMRC: RFA-GIPD-03-2024 | Jan 2025 – Dec 2028 | The impact of antiretroviral drugs on placental vascular development and macrophage function. | ZAR 9m |
| AREF-312-OJWA-S-C102-Seed grant | 06/01/2025 – 31/01/2026 | Exploring Macrophage Function in Maternal HIV and Antiretroviral Drugs on Placental Vascular Development | £50000 |
| RP10094-SAMRC-SIR | 01/01/2023 – 31/12/2025 | Mechanisms by which maternal HIV, CMV infection and antiretroviral therapy lead to adverse birth outcomes | £25000 |
| PSTD2204285217-NRF | 01/01/2023 – 31/12/2024 | Mechanisms by which maternal HIV, HCMV infection and antiretroviral therapy impacts on the placenta leading to adverse birth outcomes | £21000 |
| COB- Travelling Fellowship JCSTF23081194 | 01/02/2024 – 29/03/2024 | Investigating Macrophage Characteristics in Pre-term and Term Placentae during Maternal HIV Infection and Antiretroviral Therapy Treatment | £3000 |
| Africa Oxford Initiative (AFOX)- Travelling Fellowship | 01/02/2024 – 29/03/2024 | Investigating Macrophage Characteristics in Pre-term and Term Placentae during Maternal HIV Infection and Antiretroviral Therapy Treatment | £5000 |
| AREF- 325-OJWA-F-C0914-research development (RDF) | 01/10/2022 – 31/10/2023 | Characterizing macrophages in term placentae exposed to maternal HIV and human cytomegalovirus co-infection (2022-2023) | £39000 |
