Promising UNIZULU-ICGEB Partnership on the Horizon

The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) was recently visited by a delegation from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) which is based in Cape Town.

The ICGEB primarily capacitates research and related activities in several African countries. It partnered with the South African Department of Science and Innovation in a special programme to develop and support capacity development in South African Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs), which UNIZULU is among.

The discussions which were held were premised on the need to capacitate research related activities which align to and are funded by the ICGEB. The meeting highlighted the current ICGEB programmes which can be classified into three categories as follows:

(a) Collaborative Research Grant Programme;

(b) Meetings and Courses; and

(c) Fellowship Scheme.

Eligible South African citizens and/or South African permanent residence holders from eligible HDIs can apply for the programme activities in question. The ICGEB encouraged students and academics from the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (FSAE) at UNIZULU to take advantage of these programmes to strengthen scientific research to address pressing needs from the communities and beyond.

The ICGEB hosts laboratories for sample analysis or for providing access to academic staff and students from various universities. FSAE will take the opportunities provided to enhance exposure and collaborations by students and staff which contributes to the quality and quantity of research.

An MOU is currently being prepared for the relationship between UNIZULU and ICGEB.

– Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation

Pictures

Samkele Sokhela