Awards

Professor Clive Gray was awarded the 2026 Royal Society Africa Prize in August 2026. The Royal Society Africa Prize recognises scientists based in Africa who are making innovative contributions to science and capacity building on the continent. Clive receives it for his pioneering research into the immunological impacts of HIV on maternal and child health, particularly the mechanisms affecting HIV-exposed but uninfected children.

For three decades, Clive’s work has sat at the intersection of HIV immunology and mother-and-child health. From his early research on immune restoration under antiretroviral therapy at Stanford University, to his current work at RIRCA on how HIV and its treatment shape the placenta and, in turn, birth outcomes.

Clive responded with: “I am honoured to receive this award, not only for me personally, but also for the work we do in my research group and for the many students I have trained over the past 30 years. Being recognised for this is humbling and also recognition for African science. My hope is that through this, I can inspire young researchers across the continent to believe their work can have global impact.”

The Royal Society Africa Prize is awarded annually, and the prize includes a bronze medal, a £15,000 research grant and a £2,000 personal gift. It succeeds the Royal Society Pfizer Award, last given in 2016.

Professor Gray was awarded a Gold Scientific Excellence Award from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) at a prize-giving on the 20th February 2025.

The Gold award category recognition is given to accomplished senior scientists who have made seminal contributions that have had a profound impact, particularly to those residing in developing nations.

His 25-year relationship with the SAMRC secured multiple research grants that have supported not only his work but that of upcoming scientists. Most recently, he was awarded a R10 million grant for research into the comorbidities of infectious and non-communicable diseases.

His lifelong dedication to scientific excellence, mentorship, and global collaboration has had an immeasurable impact on public health, shaping policies and improving healthcare outcomes worldwide.

Professor Clive Gray received the prestigious Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award, which recognises world-class research that has far-reaching impact, on 3 July 2024.

“Professor Gray’s research has the potential to revolutionise our understanding of how the human placenta functions and, from that, uncover new pathways to improving mother-child health. We are excited to watch this story unfold, as we have witnessed the stories of previous Harry Oppenheimer Fellows change the game in fields from biochemistry and biology to engineering, history, and zoology to mention a few” says Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) chair Rebecca Oppenheimer.

The fellowship and its accompanying R2.5-million grant is awarded to scholars of the highest calibre who are engaged in cutting-edge and internationally significant research that has particular application to the advancement of knowledge, teaching, research and development in South Africa and beyond.

“Receiving this award is very meaningful,” says Professor Gray. “It’s recognition of the work that I and my research group have been doing over many years. That OMT acknowledges the importance of what we do is very gratifying and rewarding.”