About Us

Directors statement

The Brain Tumour and Translational Neuroscience Centre (BTC@UP) is a clinical research entity built on the foundation of transdisciplinary collaboration. We are a committed to building a centre of excellence,  delivering pioneering research, cutting-edge diagnostic methods and patient-focused surgical care. Our research avenues place us at the forefront of innovative, non-invasive point-of-care diagnostic techniques and advanced surgical and intra-operative monitoring capability. We have established strong regional and international collaboration with leading brain tumour centres, and have already demonstrated an impressive profile.

At BTC@UP, we are not just treating brain tumours; we are transforming lives, reshaping the future of neuroscience, and strengthening South Africa’s position as a leader in global research.

Prof. L Padayachy

Director, Brain Tumour and Translational Neuroscience Centre (BTC@UP)

Mission Statement

Our mission at the Brain Tumour and Translational Neuroscience Centre (BTC@UP) is to be a centre of excellence in the diagnosis and management of brain tumours through:

  • Innovative, patient-centred care using advanced point-of-care diagnostics, including advanced neuro-ophthalmology and intraoperative neuro-imaging.
  • Cutting-edge research and transdisciplinary collaboration between the Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, Engineering and Immunology.
  • Education and training by equipping the next generation of medical professionals with the latest and most relevant advances in neurosurgery.
  • A commitment to underserved communities, enabling equitable access to world-class brain tumour care in Africa.

Our Vision

We envision BTC@UP as one of the leading brain tumour centres in South Africa and a global leader in neuro-oncology and translational neuroscience. Through innovation, collaboration, and excellence, we aim to:

  • Set the benchmark for advanced brain tumour care in Africa.
  • Lead groundbreaking research that bridges laboratory science with real-world patient impact.
  • Develop and implement non-invasive diagnostic tools for early detection and improved patient outcomes.
  • Strengthen global partnerships, driving the future of neurosurgical advancements.
  • Empower patients and their families with the knowledge and support they need on their journey to recovery.

 

Staff

Prof L. Padayachy

Director

Department: Neurosurgery

Research Project Managers

Prof J. Bester

Department: Physiology

Dr E. Nortje

Department: Physiology

Ms N. Mohan

Department: Anatomy

Dr V. Padayachy

Department: Neurorehabilitation

Students

StudentsDepartmentAcademic levelRoles
Dr C. AgborNeurosurgeryPhDResearch scholar
Mr MJ. BassaPhysiologyMScResearch fellow
Ms C. VisagiePhysiologyMScResearch fellow
Ms S. Van EedenPhysiologyMScStudent
Ms C. BezeidenhoutPhysiologyMScStudent
Ms M. HannanPhysiologyMScStudent
Ms A. DadamiaPhysiologyMScStudent
Ms A. OsmanPhysiologyMScStudent
Ms M. GowPhysiologyMScStudent
Mr C. GoodwinPhysiologyMScStudent
Ms D. BovePhysiologyMScStudent
Ms Y. HiggensPhysiologyMScStudent
Ms K. LalaPhysiologyMScStudent
Ms T. SubramoneyPhysiologyMScStudent
Ms A. GerberPhysiologyMScStudent
Dr V. MagomaNeurosurgeryMMedRegistrar
Dr S. AlexanderNeurosurgeryMMedRegistrar
Dr R. AntoNeurosurgeryMMedRegistrar
Dr P. QwalanaNeurosurgeryMMedRegistrar
Dr J. ConradieNeurosurgeryMMedRegistrar
Dr M. AlexanderNeurosurgeryMMedRegistrar
Ms T. BrayshawPhysiologyBSc HonoursStudent
Ms M. BrinkPhysiologyBSc HonoursStudent
Ms J. EsterhuizenPhysiologyBSc HonoursStudent
Ms J. FerreiraPhysiologyBSc HonoursStudent
Ms N. FrylinckPhysiologyBSc HonoursStudent
Ms S. JoubertPhysiologyBSc HonoursStudent
Ms S. KillopsPhysiologyBSc HonoursStudent
Ms N. LangmanPhysiologyBSc HonoursStudent
Ms J. ScottAnatomyBSc HonoursStudent

Physical Address:

40 South St,
Koedoespoort 456-Jr,
Pretoria, 0186,
South Africa 
 

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