Marlon has a doctorate in health sciences and a MBA from Stellenbosch University. As a researcher, he focuses on non-communicable diseases (diabetes and cardiovascular disease) and global health (health strategy, the socio-economic determinants of health and disease, and health worker resourcing). He also has a strong interest in research capacity and sustainable development.

Marlon is a Senior Programme Manager for the Newton Fund’s health programme, a partnership with the UKMRC, that funds projects in tuberculosis, non-communicable diseases, mental health and antimicrobial resistance. He has oversight of the self-initiated research grant programme that funds national health research projects. He has also collaborated with funders and managed projects in Covid-19 and neuroscience. He also manages capacity development initiatives and engagement with universities to build and strengthen partnerships. At the SAMRC, he has worked as a Specialist Scientist at BRIP, Chief of Staff and Head of Corporate Strategy prior to joining GIPD. He has also served on the editorial boards of international journals, is a NRF rated researcher and has supervised masters and doctoral students in health sciences.