Page 52 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

Hypertension Awareness Campaign on NWU Potchefstroom Campus.

In the absence of an internationally accepted disadvantaged students to complete their post-
standardised method for determining fibrin fibre graduate studies while receiving mentoring to fast-
diameter from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) track them for permanent appointment, particularly in
analysis, large discrepancy in fibre diameters has been cases where current staff members retire. An example
reported in the literature. We, therefore, performed of such an appointment is Dr Gontse Mokwatsi
an international collaborative study to standardise who was appointed after the retirement of another
fibrin fibre diameter measurement using SEM senior staff member and who is already project
analysis. This entailed development of a standardised leader of the UPRIGHT-HTM study within the EMU.
protocol and, experimental analysis comparing data In addition, post-graduate students from previously
from both the standardised and respective in-house disadvantaged groups receive scholarships from the
methods. Having a standardised method will aid in SAMRC EMU baseline funding to study full-time.
diminishing discrepancies in fibrin fibre diameter
being reported, facilitate interpretation of results,
allow direct comparison of data between laboratories
and aid in the development of reference ranges for
healthy, prothrombotic and haemophilic individuals,
as is available for other CVD risk factors.

EMU members were actively involved in a global
project, and consequent publications, on raising
awareness of hypertension (May Measure Month)
resulting in the largest-ever global campaign for any
risk factor. To date, nearly 6 million blood pressures,
in over 100 countries have been measured of which
6800 blood pressures were measured in SA in 2024.
Dr Gontse Mokwatsi was appointed after the
Building Capacity Through retirement of another senior staff member and
Training, Mentorship, and Support is already project leader of the UPRIGHT-HTM
study within the EMU.
Our staff complement has shifted towards a young
generation of researchers, including more women
and staff members from previously disadvantaged Lastly, a concerted effort is made pertaining to
groups. These individuals are empowered to lead succession planning for individuals from previously
research projects within the EMU by support provided disadvantaged groups. This includes such members
for research visits to leading international research forming part of the management team meetings,
laboratories to further their training and gain the PI positions in research projects, attendance of
necessary skills to become experts in their research management and leadership courses, development
fields. The NWU furthermore has a Grow-Our-Own- of national and international networks and access to
Timber initiative that provides funding to previously research funding.

50 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25