Who are we/ our story

Research with purpose, evidence with impact

Our strength lies in our people—bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise to advance healthcare.

Who we are/our story

Meet the Team

Tienie Stander

FOUNDER
Prof. Tienie Stander, MBChB, MBA is the Founder and Managing Director of VI Research, with over 30 years of experience in health economics, outcomes research, clinical research, and healthcare strategy.
Jaco Van Zyl

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICE
Dr. Jaco van Zyl, MBChB is the Chief Operating Officer at VI Research. With a background in medicine and healthcare consulting, he specializes in evidence generation, health technology assessment (HTA), and real-world evidence.
Sara Habjoka

HEAD OF CLINICAL OPERATIONS
Sara Habjoka PharmD, Msc is the head of clinical operation at VI-Research. With over 10 years of experience at Pfizer. She leads clinical and real-world evidence research projects. Overseeing the design, execution, and delivery of research projects.

VI Research was founded with a clear mission: to generate high-quality evidence that drives better healthcare decisions and improves patient outcomes. By combining scientific expertise with operational excellence, we support pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and researchers across clinical research, health economics and outcomes research (HEOR), real-world evidence, market access, and medical affairs.

Today, VI Research partners with life sciences organizations internationally, delivering innovative, evidence-based solutions that accelerate healthcare innovation and expand patient access to life-changing therapies.

Our Story

Our History

VI Research’s journey began in 2006 with HEXOR, a clinical research organization that also provided specialized health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) consulting services. This foundation evolved through TCD Outcomes Research in 2016 and TCD Group in 2017, expanding capabilities across clinical research, evidence generation, and healthcare consulting. In 2019, VI Research was established, bringing together this experience to deliver integrated research and consulting solutions across the healthcare and life sciences sector.

Timeline of the VI Research Legacy, showing the evolution of research organizations from Hexor in 2006, TCD Outcomes Research in 2016, TCD Group in 2017, and VI Research in 2019.

Today, VI Research brings together a strong legacy in clinical research, HEOR, and healthcare consulting under one organization. Building on the expertise and experience that shaped our journey, we continue to evolve as an integrated team, delivering scientifically rigorous, patient-focused solutions across the healthcare and life sciences landscape.

Contact us to partner together