Page 137 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

breeding programme that can meet the demand provider (Venture Forward) regarding accreditation
for vaccine and drug research, which became and course continuation. However, all six students
more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. This have committed to continue with their studies
funding will assist PUDAC to meet the minimum through the new service provider (Cambridge). The
standards for GLP accreditation in order to support IAT programme aims to improve the theoretical
regulated drug and vaccine pre-clinical testing. and practical skills of our animal technicians
and technologists and have more skilled SAVC
New collaborations initiated: PUDAC has formed registered staff.
collaborations with various research institutions.
These include but not limited to; Africa Health Moreover, three PhD students received training
Research Institute (AHRI), Council for Scientific through participation in self-initiated research
and Industrial Research (CSIR), University of projects. This postgraduate programme is designed
Pittsburgh, and University of Stellenbosch. These to support their career development, provide them
collaborations are focusing on HIV vaccines and with the opportunity to develop and strengthen their
related comorbidities. research and professional capabilities and prepare
them for academic careers as emerging scientists.
Capacity development: PUDAC has supported Additionally, one staff member completed his
three PhD students (one thesis submitted, reviewed MBA course, and two Animal Chief Technologists
and student to graduate early in 2025) and one received training on the commissioning of the Vevo
administrative support staff (completed Master of F2 imaging system, and they will be responsible for
Business Administration/MBA course). training and transfer skills to other staff and students.

Building Capacity Through Navigating the Impact of US
Training, Mentorship, and Support Executive Orders on Funding
PUDAC's ongoing capacity development initiatives Although the impact is minimal and not directly
enable continuous monitoring and identification of affected, PUDAC is part of the BRILLIANT
areas for personal and professional growth. During Consortium's 5-year grant which was awarded
this reporting period, PUDAC continued supporting to SAMRC by U.S. Agency for International
the six staff members who were enrolled for the Development (USAID). Our role in the consortium
Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) course despite was to perform the final pre-clinical evaluation
facing challenges with the Institutes' service of candidate HIV-1 vaccines produced by other

A renovated animal housing and experimental facility.

SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25 135