Dr. Stephanie Dias is a senior scientist at the Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), with 8 years of working experience in diabetes research and epigenetics. In 2020, she completed her PhD, which focused on integrating both basic and clinical research to potentially enhance the health and well-being of women and children affected by GDM through biomarker discovery. Her current research aims to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms that are implicated in the development and progression of different types of diabetes during pregnancy, using a variety of molecular and epigenetic mechanisms. In her career as a researcher and scientist, she has published 33 articles in reputable, ISI peer-reviewed journals, and presented her work at local and international conferences. In addition, she has contributed to capacity development through mentoring, training and supervising students.