State-of-the-art biomolecular laboratories create opportunities for collaboration

Posted on April 18, 2018

“These world-class laboratories will allow us to consolidate and grow our research base in the newly consolidated Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology under Prof Paulette Bloomer.” These sentiments were shared in March this year by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Cheryl de la Rey at the official opening of the new Biochemistry laboratories in the Agricultural Sciences Building in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Pretoria.

According to Prof De la Rey, these cutting-edge laboratories, renovated at a cost of R8.7 million, will further improve our high impact research and will inspire a new generation of scientists.

Prof Stephanie Burton, Vice-Principal: Research and Postgraduate Education emphasised that these laboratories will drive new cross-disciplinary fields of research. ”Molecular and structural biology are central to the three disciplines of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology and will harness the power of 21st century technologies. It will be a research hub,” she concluded.

“The research to be undertaken in these laboratories on African and South African diseases, align well with the University goals of being a research intensive university. So much more so, with Future Africa, built at a cost of R250 million, in close proximity. It will enable a new generation of African scientists to develop into leading researchers.”

Prof Jan Verschoor, a former Head of the Department of Biochemistry, reminisced about the 77-year history of Biochemistry at the University of Pretoria and how the department focussed its research on molecular aspects of poverty-related diseases, such as TB, Malaria and HIV/AIDS.

Prof Wolf-Dieter Schubert, the Head of Division of Research and Postgraduate Studies in the new department summarised the planning and the year-long renovation process in a pictorial presentation.

Prof Paulette Bloomer concluded that the new laboratories provide a wonderful opportunity for Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology to expand its know-how and capacity. “This renovation is an example how research facilities dating back to the 1960s can be brought into the 21st century. It should serve as a model for the other floors of the Agricultural Sciences Building.”

The event was ended on a high note with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the newly renovated facilities, followed by light refreshments.

- Author Martie Meyer

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