Page 109 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

BRIP scientists. To strengthen BRIP's clinical research Good Manufacturing Practice at Immunity Bio in
portfolio, 6 female staff members successfully California, USA, in August 2023.
completed the "Clinical Investigator Certification
Good Clinical Practice" course presented by the Science for creating a
Fundisa African Academy of Medicines Development healthier society
in April 2023.
In October 2023, BRIP hosted its 13th Annual BRIP
During the 2023/24 fiscal year, the SAMRC/Chan Soon- symposium, a platform for emerging young scientists
Shiong Family Foundation (CSSFF) Biopharmaceutical to share their research and gain invaluable input from
Manufacturing Training Studentships programme peers and mentors. The 2023 theme was "Empowering
hosted the first two cohorts of trainees. This initiative, Young Minds for a Transformative Future" and
a partnership between CSSFF and the SAMRC, aims garnered interest from across the country, with our
to build a skilled workforce for Biopharmaceuticals largest number of registered participants (152) to
and vaccine manufacturing on the African continent date. Students from the Universities of Cape Town,
and includes studentships, scholarships, and post- Western Cape, Limpopo, Zululand, Sefako Makgatho
doctoral fellowships. The implementation of the Health Sciences, Stellenbosch, Nelson Mandela and
studentship training curriculum was spearheaded Cape Peninsula University of Technology participated
by BRIP scientists and 27 trainees predominantly in the event. The hybrid platform allowed for in-person
from HDIs successfully completed the programme in and online participation from local and international
2023, with 65 % of trainees securing a placement with (Denmark and Spain) speakers.
industry partners.
Annually on the 14th of November, global
BRIP retained 4 Black African trainees (2 females) as communities commemorate and raise awareness
interns to assist in the programme. The curriculum about the burden and management of diabetes.
comprised intensive skills development with a focus As part of an awareness campaign, BRIP, alongside
on practical components (80 %) and theory (20 %) at the Non-Communicable Research Unit (NCDRU)
BRIP as well as at academic partners (Universities of and Corporate and Marketing Communications
Cape Town and Stellenbosch) and industry partners. Division, promoted physical activity at their Fun
To further equip individuals with the knowledge Walk at Jack Muller Park in Bellville. BRIP scientists
and skills to adhere to stringent quality standards also presented an information session at a Senior
throughout the manufacturing process, 3 BRIP Citizen's residence in Parow as part of the World
scientists and the interns completed a course on Diabetes Day Campaign.

Attendees at the 13th Annual Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform Symposium held
in October 2023.

SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2023-24 107