Experts from different walks of life have marvelled at the University of Limpopo (UL)’s science facilities hailing them as some of the top state-of-the-art facilities in the country
The scientists from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) met with university management and faculty representatives to discuss potential research collaborations and sponsorship in science, innovation, and health sciences during a recent visit to the institution, where they were impressed by the facilities.
ICGEB is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1994, to play a key role in biotechnology worldwide for excellence in research, training, and technology to contribute in concrete terms to the achievement of sustainable global development. It runs 46 state-of-the-art laboratories, in Trieste, Italy, New Delhi, India, and South Africa (Cape Town) and forms an interactive network with over 65 member states.
Dr. Lawrence Banks, Director General of ICGEB, stated that their visit to UL was motivated by the need to elevate scientific research and form collaborations with previously disadvantaged institutions. According to Banks, the ICGEB is looking to form partnerships in areas such as infectious diseases, parasitology, non-communicable diseases, medical biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, and plant biotechnology.
Dr. Banks stated that his organisation also encourages interdisciplinary collaborative research and that researchers can apply for grants and sponsorships. He also disclosed that they are willing to sponsor international exchange programmes and career returns, for scientists.
The delegation, which included representatives from the Department of Science and Innovation in the country, went on a campus tour to see some of the university’s cutting-edge science infrastructure, such as labs and the Limpopo Agrofood Technology Station. The delegation was impressed by the university’s efforts to prioritise science and innovation in its facilities.
“The university has fantastic laboratories. They are second to none,” said Dr. Banks.
Dr. Mmboneni Muofe, Director General of the Department of Science and Innovation, said that there are many areas in science and technology that have yet to be explored. He stated that there was a lot of value for researchers to gain from ICGEB through collaborative efforts.
“The department has partnered with ICGEB in its endeavour to broaden its reach across the African continent to promote science and innovation in partnering with previously disadvantaged institutions such as UL,” said Dr. Moufe.
Professor Thabe Matsebatlela, Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology at UL expressed his satisfaction and desire to collaborate with ICGEB, particularly in biotechnology.
“We are excited because ICGEB is willing to fund projects that are directly in their areas of interest, and we would like to have our Ph.D., Master’s, and post-doctoral fellows visit their hi-tech labs in India, as well as assist them in early career development programmes through ICGEB,” said Prof Matsebatlela.
Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, Vice-Chancellor, and Principal, said that UL was open to collaboration initiatives, particularly those that prioritise science and innovation.
“The university welcomes efforts to forge international partnerships and collaborations that are aligned with the university’s mission and vision,” added Professor Nonceba Mbambo-Kekana, Director of International Affairs at UL.
By Rueben Maake