Prof Aletta Millen

Prof Aletta Millen is the Assistant Dean for Research in the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand. She is a Professor of Physiology and Director of the Integrated Molecular Physiology Research Initiative (IMPRI). Her research explores how inflammation drives the development of non-communicable diseases, with a particular focus on cardiovascular and neurological disorders. 

By applying advanced molecular approaches, her team focusses on understanding disease processes and translating laboratory discoveries into affordable and accessible screening tools for low-resource settings, addressing healthcare inequities and improving early disease detection.

Prof Millen holds an MBA from the University of the Witwatersrand and is committed to advancing authentic leadership in academia. She works to build research capacity, mentor the next generation of scientists, and foster strategic, cross-sector partnerships that connect science, innovation, and public health impact.