Prof Saartjie Roux is the interim Chair of the Nanomedicine Platform at Nelson Mandela University.  She holds a Doctorate in Medical Sciences (D Med Sci) from Pretoria University.  Her research focused on brain neurotransmitters and the connections between diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and gut dysfunction. She regards nanotechnology as a significant advancement in the development of treatment and diagnostics.  Her students have primarily concentrated on the development and application of gold nanoparticles and various forms of drug encapsulations. She has collaborations with national and international researchers. Her research resulted in the registration of a patent.

Her leadership is illustrated in her contribution to the development of the Department of Physiology at Nelson Mandela University, where she served as HOD, as well as her roles as a council member of the Physiology Society of South Africa, treasurer of the African Physiology Society, and a member of the steering committee of the DSI Nanoscience among other committees.