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Thulani Makhalanyane is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking at Stellenbosch University. He also holds a SARChI Chair in African Microbiome Innovation at Stellenbosch University. He earned his PhD from the University of the Western Cape in 2013, and his research focuses on understanding the ecology and evolution of microbial communities. He has co-authored over 150 publications in leading journals, including Nature, Science, PNAS, and The ISME Journal.

Philippe Samyn asks question at Antarctic Futures Symposium.

Philippe Samyn presenting at the Antarctic Futures Symposium.

Alain Hubert giving his opening address at the Antarctic Futures Symposium held at the Luxembourg Chambre de Commerce from April 23-24th, 2026.

Scale model of Princess Elisabeth Antarctica at Antarctic Futures Symposium.

Members of the audience got an opportunity to listen to a wide array of speakers during the Antarctic Futures Symposium.

Thulani Makhalanyane is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking at Stellenbosch University. He also holds a SARChI Chair in African Microbiome Innovation at Stellenbosch University. He earned his PhD from the University of the Western Cape in 2013, and his research focuses on understanding the ecology and evolution of microbial communities. He has co-authored over 150 publications in leading journals, including Nature, Science, PNAS, and The ISME Journal.

Philippe Samyn asks question at Antarctic Futures Symposium.

Entrance hall at the Antarctic Futures Symposium held at the Luxembourg Chambre de Commerce from April 23-24th, 2026.