Professor Anil Chuturgoon

Professor Anil Chuturgoon is a distinguished Medical Biochemist with a PhD in toxicology and epigenetics. He currently serves as the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and was previously the Dean of Research in the College of Health Sciences (2019–2024). A driving force in academic development, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Department of Medical Biochemistry during the institutional merger in 2005.

Prof. Chuturgoon is internationally recognized for his pioneering research into epigenetic mechanisms in toxicology and their implications in human disease. He is a leading expert on food toxins and their biological effects in humans, and his work in this area has been acknowledged by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (USA), with eight of his publications included in their highly regarded toxicogenomic database.

A B-rated researcher by the National Research Foundation of South Africa, Prof. Chuturgoon has made significant contributions to the scientific community. He has published over 210 peer-reviewed research papers, contributed 12 book chapters, edited two academic books, and presented extensively at national and international conferences.

His commitment to academic excellence is reflected in his impressive supervision record, having successfully mentored 180 Master’s and 50 PhD students to graduation. He serves on the editorial boards of several high-impact journals and is an active member of both the South African Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the South African Society of Clinical Biochemists.

Beyond academia, Prof. Chuturgoon is passionate about developing responsible, future-ready young scientists. In his personal life, he is a dedicated mountain biking enthusiast, embracing the discipline and challenge the sport offers.