Prof Nceba Gqaleni trained as a biochemist at the former University of Natal. He obtained his doctorate at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland in 1996. His area of research was on applied or environmental microbiology. He is an NRF rated researcher with interest on mycotoxins and indoor air quality, particularly bioaerosols and aeroallergens. He is currently the leader of the Traditional Medicine programme of the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal. He has been appointed Chair of Indigenous Health Care Systems Research, funded by the Department of Science & Technology and administered by the National Research Foundation. Prof Gqaleni has also served in various positions within the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, including Director of the Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Acting Dean, and Deputy Dean. He has served on various national and international bodies including the Presidential Task Team on African Traditional Medicine, Chair of the Traditional medicines research platform and expert committee of the Department of Science & Technology on bioprospecting, and the WHO (Afro) expert committee on Traditional Medicine.