Advancing Human Physiology Research Across Africa

Driving excellence in exercise physiology, human biology, and physiology education to shape the future of biomedical science on the continent.

Our Research Get Involved
Researchers in a human physiology laboratory in Africa

Pioneering Physiology Research on the Continent

Physiology Research Africa is a collaborative network of scientists, educators, and institutions dedicated to advancing the understanding of human physiology within African contexts. Our work spans exercise physiology, cardiovascular science, respiratory biology, and metabolic health.

We believe that locally driven physiology research is essential for addressing Africa's unique health challenges and building sustainable physiology education programmes.

12
Countries
85+
Researchers
140
Publications

Key Areas of Investigation

Our multidisciplinary teams tackle critical questions in human biology and physiology across diverse African populations.

Exercise physiology research — athlete performance testing

Exercise Physiology

Investigating cardiorespiratory fitness, thermoregulation, and performance physiology in African athletes and general populations.

Cardiovascular human biology research

Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health

Studying hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome prevalence through the lens of human physiology and genetics.

Physiology education in Africa — students in lab

Physiology Education

Building curricula and training programmes that strengthen human biology and physiology education at African universities.

Bridging Science, Health & Community

We empower African researchers to lead world-class physiology research, foster South-South collaboration, and translate findings into public health impact.

Research

Rigorous, ethical, context-driven science

Collaboration

Pan-African and global partnerships

Education

Training the next generation of physiologists

Impact

Translating research to health outcomes

Selected Publications

Highlights from our network's contributions to physiology research and human biology.

2025

Thermoregulatory Responses During Exercise in Sub-Saharan Climates

Okafor, N. et al. — Journal of Applied Physiology

2025

Hypertension Prevalence and Vascular Physiology in Rural East Africa

Mwangi, A. & Banda, T. — American Journal of Human Biology

2024

Integrating Exercise Physiology into African Medical Curricula

Diallo, F. et al. — Advances in Physiology Education

2024

Altitude Acclimatisation and Oxygen Transport in Ethiopian Highlanders

Tesfaye, S. & Nkosi, L. — European Journal of Applied Physiology

Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you

Whether you're a researcher, student, or institution interested in advancing human physiology in Africa, reach out to us.

info@physresearchafrica.org
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa