Suri Moonsamy

Dr. Suri Moonsamy, a highly accomplished biomedical scientist, brings nearly a decade of experience in leading clinical research programs focused on infectious diseases. In 2015, achieved the remarkable feat of earning a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in under two years, becoming the university\'s youngest ever doctoral graduate. Specializing in HIV/AIDS, TB, and other global health challenges, Dr. Moonsamy has successfully coordinated multi-phase clinical trials and managed research teams in academic and clinical environments. Extensive scientific expertise evident through numerous peer-reviewed publications, while exceptional leadership skills instrumental in program management, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. Notable career highlights include directing large-scale HIV prevention trials, fostering multidisciplinary collaborations, and spearheading high-impact research initiatives that significantly enhance patient outcomes and public health.

• Youngest PhD Graduate, UKZN, 04/15, Completed doctoral degree in record time (under 2 years at age 24) – a first in the College of Health Sciences and University of KwaZulu-Natal history.
• Women Making it Happen in Science and Technology Award, 2015, Recognized for outstanding contributions and potential in the science and technology field.
• Honorary Research Fellowship, UKZN, 01/17–12/20, Awarded a prestigious fellowship in the College of Health Sciences for a three-year term, acknowledging academic excellence and research leadership.
• Clinical Trial Performance Awards, 01/18–12/20, Received multiple awards in NIH-sponsored trials (e.g., REPRIEVE, PHOENIx) for achieving exceptional site performance.
• Associate Joint Researcher, University of the Witwatersrand, 2023, Appointed as an associate researcher, facilitating academic collaboration and contributing expertise to the Wits research community.

• AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG), Active network member, 01/18–Present
• HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN), Member, 01/16–Present
• COVID-19 Prevention Network (CoVPN), Member, 01/19–12/22
• Microbicide Trials Network (MTN), Former member, 01/15–12/17
• Golden Key International Honour Society, Lifetime member, 2012

• HIV Prevention & Epidemiology, Co-authored studies on HIV risk and prevention, including development of a risk prediction algorithm for HIV transmission (KwaZulu-Natal trials data, AIDS and Behavior, 2017) and analysis of key risk factors affecting HIV incidence (PLoS ONE, 2016).
• Molecular Pharmacology & Drug Design, Published a series of papers on computational drug discovery for HIV treatment during doctoral research.
• Clinical Trial Collaborations, As a site investigator, contributed to multi-center clinical trial publications and reports (e.g., NIH-funded REPRIEVE and PHOENIx trials) by providing data and insights from the South African cohorts.