The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) hosted a public lecture on 14 March 2025 organized by the O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chair in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ORTARChI-Nano) and the School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering (LISBE).

The lecture, titled “From Bangasomes to Doxil® to Vaccines and the Future of Medicine,” was delivered by Prof. Theresa Mary (Terry) Allen, a leader in the field of drug delivery and nanomedicine.

Prof. Allen, a Professor Emerita of Pharmacology and Oncology at the University of Alberta, shared her more than 40 years of research experience. She is known for developing Doxil®, the world’s first FDA-approved anticancer nanomedicine, which has generated over $1 billion in sales.

During the lecture, Prof. Allen discussed her groundbreaking work in creating liposomes and small structures that can deliver drugs directly to targeted areas in the body. She also explored how nanotechnology is being used to develop new treatments and vaccines, offering a glimpse into the future of medicine.

The event ended with a lively Q&A session where attendees had the chance to ask Prof. Allen about the potential of nanotechnology in drug development and the future of medicine.