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Thulani Makhalanyane is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking at Stellenbosch University. He also holds a SARChI Chair in African Microbiome Innovation at Stellenbosch University. He earned his PhD from the University of the Western Cape in 2013, and his research focuses on understanding the ecology and evolution of microbial communities. He has co-authored over 150 publications in leading journals, including Nature, Science, PNAS, and The ISME Journal.

Nicolas Herinckx speaking at the Antarctic Futures Symposium in Luxembourg.

IPF Co-founder Gigi giving one of the opening talks at the first Antarctic Futures Symposium held at the Luxembourg Chambre de Commerce from April 23-24th, 2026.

Audience gives a big applause at Antarctic Futures Symposium.

Dr. Eric Rignot leads the Science Advisory Committee at the Antarctic Futures Symposium and is seen here speaking in a breakout session with other scientists.

Entrance hall at the Antarctic Futures Symposium held at the Luxembourg Chambre de Commerce from April 23-24th, 2026.

Philippe Samyn, from Samyn and Partners architects & engineers presents at the Antarctic Futures Symposium.

Dr. Isabella Velicogna speaking at the first Antarctic Futures Symposium at the Luxembourg Chambre de Commerce.

Dr. Frank Pattyn speaks at the Antarctic Futures Symposium.