Page 124 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025
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research, including photoacoustic imaging, Centre, Cape Town, with 150 in-person and 99 online
followed by presentations from Dr Nonhlakanipho attendees. The conference hosted representatives
Sangweni on its application in cardiovascular from 35 universities, including six HDIs, as well
function and Dr Serena Zacchigna on cardiovascular as international attendees from France, Nigeria,
biology. Following the presentations, the Vevo F2 and Spain. Industry representatives from Anatech,
was successfully installed at PUDAC, where BRIP Whitehead Scientific, and others also attended. The
and PUDAC staff participated in hands-on training programme featured six keynote speakers, including
to enhance their expertise with the new system. This one from Sweden. A total of 25 students (13 MSc and
cutting-edge imaging technology is now available 12 PhD) delivered oral presentations, while 23 MSc,
as a national platform for researchers interested in PhD, and postdoctoral researchers presented posters
conducting small-animal studies at the SAMRC/ with six-minute elevator pitches. Some of the topics
PUDAC Platform, expanding access to advanced covered included cancer, diabetes, TB, cardiovascular
preclinical imaging capabilities. disease, and hypertension.
The 14th Biomedical Research and Innovation Building Capacity Through
Platform (BRIP) Conference took place on
16-17 October 2024 at the SAMRC Conference Training, Mentorship, and Support
In the 2024/2025 financial year, BRIP demonstrated
a strong commitment to capacity building by
mentoring and supervising 40 PhD and 22 MSc
students, of whom 38 were female and 55 were from
previously disadvantaged backgrounds. A number
of students successfully completed their degrees
including MSc and PhDs.
Furthermore, BRIP has played a pivotal role
in enhancing skills development through its
involvement in the CSSFF-SAMRC Biopharmaceutical
Manufacturing Training Programme, which
has significantly strengthened capacity in the
Biopharmaceutical and Medical Technology
industries. This initiative encompasses curriculum
development, recruitment (with over 90% of
candidates from HDIs), hands-on training, lectures,
assessments, and post-training placements.
In its second year, the programme saw 22 students
securing internships. In addition, we were fortunate
to have received funding to host and mentor four
students from the first cohort, who went on to
become trainers for the second cohort. At the end
of this third cycle, we can proudly say that 76% of our
trainees are working in industry, with 17% studying a
related postgraduate degree.
Navigating the Impact of US
Executive Orders on Funding
While the broader implications of these funding
restrictions were observed within the SAMRC,
BRIP's research activities and collaborations
continued without disruption. The Platform
GenS job shadowing programme. remained unaffected by the US Executive Orders
on funding during the 2024/2025 financial year, as it
122 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25
