Alastair van Heerden is a Research Director within the Human and Social Development Programme at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). Since joining the HSRC he has had an interdisciplinary focus to his research combing both his interest in technology for development and public health. These interests informed his PhD in which he focused on pervasive computing in heath; particularly, how to harness inexpensive mobile technology to support health research in low resource settings. Alastair’s research aims to contribute locally-informed and context appropriate knowledge to this domain by helping to identify technologies that both address barriers and provide solutions to the challenges faced by low resource communities around the world. He has been involved in a number of ICT for development projects in South Africa aimed primarily at supporting families affected by the dual burden of HIV/AIDS and poverty. He has also worked outside of the country, including Lesotho, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, and Nepal. Alastair has cultivated strategic collaborations with a number of researchers locally, regionally and internationally. He has also worked extensively in the not for profit sector including with UNICEF, PATH, Catholic Relief Services, Plan, Save the Children, Global Fund for children and the Elizabeth Glazer foundation.

 

Mr Philip Joseph is the Research Technical Manager within the Human and Social Development Programme at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).

 

Mr Thulani Ngubane is the Project Manager for the Human and Social Development Programme at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).