Prof Arshad Ismail is a distinguished figure in molecular biology and genomics, currently holding the position of Head of the NICD Sequencing Core Facility. His career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to advancing next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and their practical applications in public health.

Before joining NICD, Prof. Ismail served as the NGS Manager at Inqaba Biotec (PTY) Ltd, a prominent biotechnology firm, from 2007 to 2013. This seven-year tenure allowed him to refine his expertise in NGS methodologies, which proved instrumental in his later contributions to the field. Since his arrival at NICD in 2014 Prof. Ismail has been the driving force behind the establishment and expansion of the Sequencing Core Facility. This facility, now equipped with seven advanced NGS instruments, provides essential support to eight distinct centers within NICD, thereby facilitating critical research and surveillance efforts across a spectrum of infectious diseases.

Beyond his responsibilities at NICD, Prof. Ismail maintains affiliations with esteemed academic institutions, including the Durban University of Technology, the University of Venda, and the University of the Witwatersrand. These collaborations underscore his dedication to bridging the divide between academic research and practical application, thereby fostering innovation and the exchange of knowledge.