Page 129 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

restructured their constitution to create regional Navigating the Impact of US
nodes that operates autonomously under the Executive Orders on Funding
AfricaBP umbrella. The Genomics Platform has
been appointed by AfricaBP to lead the Southern The Genomics Platform does not receive any funding
African Node. directly from any funding agency in the United
States affected by the Executive Orders. However,
The Genomics Platform is a key partner in the some clients who regularly access the Platform's
DDD-Africa International Training Programme sequencing services are funded through various
(ITP), building on the success of Deciphering US agencies including the National Institutes of
Developmental Disorders in Africa. The programme Health (NIH). The uncertainty around whether these
aims to establish a network of professionals across agencies will be withdrawing funding to current and
Africa to lead genomic research and support prospective clients does place some pressure on the
families with developmental disorders. Dr. Nadia Platform's sequencing services.
Carstens contributed to training sessions, where
participants learned the diagnostic process from
intake to genetic diagnosis. The next phase
involves guiding individuals through this process,
with the Genomics Platform offering free exome
sequencing and variant interpretation training to
enhance diagnostic capabilities.

Building Capacity Through
Training, Mentorship, and Support
In partnership with DIPLOMICS, the Genomics
Platform offers an internship programme designed to
provide technical training and capacity development
in next-generation sequencing (NGS) and good
laboratory practice (GLP). This programme was
established in 2023 to equip interns with practical
experience in molecular biology techniques, including
sample quality control, nucleic acid isolation, and
sequencing library preparation. Mr Martin Naicker,
a Senior Research Technologist at the Genomics
Platform has been taking the lead in training of
the interns. Interns become active members of
the SAMRC Genomics Platform laboratory team,
contributing to significant projects that enhance their
skills and employability. Eligible candidates typically Africa BP poster.
hold a BSc or BTech in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or
a related field, and possess foundational knowledge
in molecular biology techniques. This programme
reflects SAMRC's commitment to advancing precision
medicine and innovation in Africa by building local
expertise in genomics.

Postgraduate training has always been a priority for
the Genomics Platform. Our team have been involved
in the training of BSc Hons, MSc and PhD students
from Stellenbosch University, WITS University, the
University of Zululand, the University of Cape Town
and the University of Venda. In 2024 we've graduated Trinity Challenge Logo.
PhD and MSc students.

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