Dr. Elsabé du Plessis is the Sex and Gender+ Science Strategy lead at the CIHR Institute of Gender and Health. Trained as a social scientist, Dr. du Plessis’s research interests are in the area of critical global health studies and understanding power and inequity in global health – both in the organization and practices of global health and in global health interventions. Sex and gender are both crucial dimensions that shape people’s access to power and their ability to meet their rights, including their right to health.

Prior to taking on the role at CIHR IGH. Dr. du Plessis was a Research Associate and Gender Analysis Specialist for the University of Manitoba’s Institute for Global Public Health and the research project lead for two multi-year ASRHR project implemented by development partners in Tanzania. Dr. du Plessis was also a member of national working groups for evaluation in health and development projects and the use of qualitative methodologies in health and development research.