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Diederik Van Niekerk has an extensive work experience spanning over two decades. Diederik began their career at Bristol Myers Squibb as a Clinical Research Associate in 2000 and later joined Allucent as a Senior Clinical Research Associate in 2002. In 2004, they held positions as Director of Research Support at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit and Program Officer for the CIPRA-SA research program at Wits Health Consortium. From 2006 to 2008, they served as a Senior Clinical Research Associate at Sanofi and then joined Novotech as a Senior Project Manager in 2008. In 2010, Van Niekerk started their own consulting company, DvN Coaching & Consulting CC, where they offered clinical research consulting and business coaching services. In 2014, they became a Senior Partner and Certified Business Coach at ActionCOACH Business Coaching, specializing in business growth and mentoring. Since 2016, they have been working at MMS and MMS Academy, holding various roles including Senior Director of SA & EU Corporate Affairs and Director of Operations. Throughout their career, Van Niekerk has received several awards and distinctions for their work in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

Diederik Van Niekerk's education history includes obtaining an MSc(Med) in Pharmaceutical Science from the University of the Witwatersrand from 2001 to 2004. Diederik also earned a PPM in Project Management from the University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika in the year 2000. In addition, they hold a BMedSc(Hons) in Research Pharmacology from the University of the Free State from 1998 to 1999, and a BSc(Med) in Biochemistry & Physiology from the same university from 1995 to 1997. Diederik attended Hoërskool Diamantveld from 1990 to 1994, although no specific degree or field of study is mentioned for this period. Diederik has also obtained several certifications, including being a certified facilitator, trainer, and coach from FranklinCovey in 2020, a certified business coach from ActionCOACH Business Coaching in 2014, a certified clinical research associate from theAssociation of Clinical Research Professionals in 2002, and a certified professional project manager (CPPM) from Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL) in 2000.