Prof Diacon leads Task Applied Science and Task Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa. TASK is an institution specializing in clinical and microbiological TB research and particularly first-time evaluation of novel antibiotics in tuberculosis patients. The TASK clinical team has research sites in the community, at TB hospitals and at a private hospital specialized in tuberculosis research. The laboratory team aims at validating and improving markers for tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment effects.
Amongst other achievements, Prof Diacon was awarded a Rector’s Award for Outstanding Research at Stellenbosch University, the Swiss TB Research Award and the Scientific Prize from the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease for his exceptional contribution towards research.