UKZN Professor Appointed to International Editorial Board
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has welcomed the international recognition of one of its leading academics, Professor Shenuka Singh, following her appointment to the International Editorial Board of Brazilian Oral Research (BOR).
BOR is the official journal of the Brazilian Division of the International Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (IADR).
The appointment, made by BOR Editor-in-Chief Professor Lucianne Cople Maia de Faria, recognises Singh’s distinguished academic trajectory, scientific leadership, and internationally acknowledged contributions to dentistry, dental public health and research ethics. De Faria highlighted that Singh’s participation would be instrumental in strengthening BOR’s global presence and advancing its strategic goal of becoming an increasingly influential and internationally engaged journal.
As a member of the International Editorial Board, Singh will advise the Editors on emerging research trends and strategic directions, support the journal’s international visibility by encouraging high-quality submissions and contribute to the development of special issues and thematic collections. Her appointment comes at a pivotal stage in BOR’s development where expanding international collaboration is key to enhancing scientific rigor, impact and visibility.
Singh, a Full Professor in the Discipline of Dentistry at UKZN, holds two doctoral degrees: a PhD in Clinical and Research Ethics and a PhD in Dental Public Health. Her leadership extends well beyond the University, as she currently serves as Deputy Chairperson of South Africa’s National Health Research Ethics Council (2023–2026) – a ministerial appointment – and as President of the IADR South African Division (2024–2026).
Her international footprint includes membership of the Ethics in Dental Research Committee at IADR and an invitation to participate in a joint working group of the World Health Organization, where she contributed to the development of a global benchmarking tool for research ethics oversight. She also serves as an Associate Editor for BMC Oral Health, further underscoring her standing in global scholarly publishing.
At UKZN, Singh was appointed Chair of the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee in 2024, a Senate-approved role, and continues her long-standing service on research ethics committees, including the Human Sciences Research Council. An NRF-rated researcher, she is actively involved in postgraduate supervision, international conference presentations – including keynote addresses – and extensive research ethics training across South African institutions.
Her academic excellence has been recognised through multiple awards, including the UKZN College of Health Sciences Teaching Excellence Award and the UKZN Certificate of Excellence in Teaching.
Dean of Health Sciences Professor Khathutshelo Mashige said: “Please accept my warmest congratulations on this well-deserved invitation. Being recognised by the editorial board of such a prestigious journal is a significant achievement and a clear testament to your scholarly standing, international collaborations, and the impact of your work. Your engagement with the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and the outcomes emerging from that collaboration reflect the calibre of research leadership within our School. We are indeed proud of this accomplishment. Wishing you every success in this new role.”
Words: MaryAnn Francis
Photograph: Supplied
