Caryn Fenner is an alumnus of Rhodes University, and the University of Cape Town (UCT) obtaining a BSc Honours in Biotechnology and a PhD in Bioprocess Engineering, respectively. Before joining Afrigen Biologics, she held a research position at the Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER) at UCT, focusing on new product and process development using microbial and enzyme technology. Caryn has technical experience in biomanufacturing of recombinant proteins and therapeutics. She has taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, including supervision of postgraduate students. She served on CeBER’s executive management team and oversaw operations of the analytical facilities. As an National Research Foundation (NRF) grant-holder, Caryn was the principal investigator of two research projects in the area of biocatalysis. She has co-authored articles and chapters in peer-reviewed journals and books.

Upon joining Afrigen, Caryn led the R&D portfolio, overseeing all scientific and technical operations and leading a team of highly competent scientist focusing on the application of next generation adjuvant formulations to the development of new vaccines and therapeutics. Most recently Caryn has taken on the executive directorship of the Global mRNA technology transfer and training hub, a WHO-led public/ private partnership consortium to advance mRNA vaccine development and manufacturing for Africa and other LMICs.