Wolf-Dieter Schubert is a senior academic and researcher in the field of biochemistry and structural biology at the University of Pretoria, where he serves as Professor of Biochemistry in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM). He also holds a leadership role as Chair of the Division of Research and Postgraduate Education within the department.

Prof Schubert’s research is centered on the structural biology of infectious diseases, with a particular focus on understanding the molecular and atomic mechanisms underlying pathogen–host interactions.

His work investigates virulence factors produced by pathogens and how these molecules interact with host systems, using a combination of biochemical, structural, and biophysical approaches. Techniques employed include molecular biology for cloning, protein production and purification, X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy for structure determination, as well as biophysical techniques to quantify protein-protein interactions.

This research aims to reveal how pathogens disrupt cellular processes, ultimately supporting the development of therapeutic strategies and interventions against infectious diseases. A more recent addition to his research focuses on the effects of genetic mutations underlying deafness in African populations. Beyond the University of Pretoria, Prof. Schubert serves as Chairperson of the South African National Committee for the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr), is a member of the IUCr Commission on Macromolecular Crystallography, and is Treasurer of the South African Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SASBMB). He also serves as Treasurer for the Young Scientist Programme (YSP) of the 2027 Joint Congress of the International Union for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) and SASBMB.