Page 140 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

Stem Cell Research and
Therapy Research Unit

Unit director:
Prof. Michael Pepper

Prioritising responsive research possible. Several startup companies have also been
through impactful interventions initiated. The goal is to ensure that students who leave
the unit after graduation are market-ready. To date, all
The Stem Cell Research and Therapy Research Unit students who have left the group have been able to
undertakes translational molecular cell biology- find employment, usually at a level that adequately
oriented research exclusively on patient material, reflects their level of personal investment.
intending to address South Africa's disease burden
in terms of diagnosis, treatment, policy, and Science for creating a
entrepreneurship.
healthier society
The main goals have been (1) to improve the Members of the unit are fully conscious of the
applicability of cell and gene-based therapeutic importance of engaging appropriately with the
modalities for the treatment of communicable and public/community as this (a) sensitises potential
non-communicable diseases in South Africa; (2) beneficiaries to the health care opportunities that are
to understand the molecular pathogenesis of the
changes seen in newborn infants exposed to ischemia/ or will become available; (b) improves perception of
hypoxia; (3) to dissect the molecular mechanisms of the work we do (sometimes viewed with uncertainty
obesity to identify potentially new molecular targets due to its complex and cutting-edge nature); (c)
for combatting this disease; and (4) to understand the increases enthusiasm for the work we do which could
mechanisms behind the disturbances in hematopoiesis lead to potential funding and other opportunities.
seen in patients living with HIV.
To achieve these goals, there were interactions with
Equitable capacity development the media and have several social media platforms
that are frequently visited by the public/community.
for empowering communities Traditional academic avenues such as peer-reviewed
Staff at the Stem Cell Research and Therapy Research scientific publications, post-graduate student
Unit constitute an ever-increasing representation graduations as well as conference presentations and
of South African demographics, with the most abstracts are also well represented.
members being women. Training opportunities are
provided in most areas relevant to the group, both In celebration of 30 years of
locally and abroad. Student bursaries are provided democracy in South Africa
as needed, and we have been fortunate to be able
to provide financial support to all students who South Africa is perfectly positioned to address many
require this, depending on need. of the world's major health challenges, due in part
to (a) a robust, innovative, and highly dedicated
A clear emphasis is placed on translational research, research community; (b) a high disease burden; and
with a view to protecting intellectual property where (c) the greatest genetic diversity on the planet.

138 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2023-24