Professor Burtram (“Bertie”) Clinton Fielding is Dean of the Faculty of Science and Professor of Microbiology at Stellenbosch University, after senior roles at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). He is a molecular biologist whose research spans human pathogens - especially human coronaviruses - and botanical agents, linking mechanisms to practical health applications.
 
He holds degrees in Microbiology and Physiology, completed doctoral research in virology, and later earned an MPhil in Management Coaching. Early in his career he was a research fellow at Singapore’s Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, where he investigated SARS coronavirus. His scholarship has followed the coronavirus field through outbreaks, contributing to the identification of viral proteins, functional characterisation, and translational work that informs diagnostics and therapeutics. Current work includes long COVID and nanoparticle-enabled strategies to treat infections.
 
Prof Fielding combines research leadership with institutional stewardship. He has led research-development functions, carried acting responsibility for research and innovation portfolios, and served on Senate- and Council-linked structures covering research governance, higher degrees, and research ethics. He contributes internationally through editorial leadership and peer review, including WSV-aligned special issues.
 
He supervises or co-supervises researchers from undergraduate through honours to postdoctoral level, and serves as an executive coach and mentor to academic staff from junior lecturer to professor.