The University of Pretoria (UP) was established in 1908 and has grown into a world-class university and one of the largest research producers in South Africa and Africa. UP acts as the project coordinator for the Dirisana+ grant. Staff at UP manage Work Package 1 (Preparation), Work Package 2 (Development), and Work Package 5 (Management).

The equipment purchased through the Dirisana+ grant allowed for the training of students in real-world applications and advancements in research and technology. Students can be equipped with skills for their careers beyond their studies and are introduced to new avenues of research and collaboration.

Through the Dirisana+ grant UP aquired various 3D printers for the creation of anatomical teaching models. 3D printed models allow for the replication of rare teaching specimen, the generation of study material, and open avenues to new areas of research in anatomy. Furthermore, tablets purchased for BCMP clinical associates allowed students from rural areas of South Africa to record their learning activities and guide assessment practices in the programme.

Project Staff

Prof Ericka L'Abbé Project Coordinator Department of Anatomy	Meg-Kyla Erasmus Project Manager Department of Anatomy	Rudi Duvenhage Finance Manager COPC Research Unit	Helena de Villiers Reporting Assistant Department of Anatomy	Miksha Harripershad Dissemination Manager Department of Anatomy

Institutional highlights

Researchers at the Forensic Anthropology Research Centre at UP are using 3D modelling and 3D printing to collaborate with maxillofacial prosthodontists, orthopeadic surgeons, mechancial, metallurgical, and material engineers, anatomists, pharmacologists, and cell biologists. Additive manufacturing has opened doors in areas of research into human skeletal variation and its applications to health care and the forensic sciences.

Staff, postgraduate students, and alumni from the Department of Anatomy visited Amberfield College in Centurion with a set of 3D printed bones to present an information session on the career paths in Anatomy and specifically Forensic Anthropology to high school Life Sciences students. 

Through 3D imaging and 3D pritning workshops offered by Dirisana+ trainers in the Department of Anatomy, new avenues for research and collaboration are being forged with industy professionals.