Page 89 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025
P. 89

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION





                                                               Research Translation
                                                               Through Arts and Science
                                                               Creative   Communication    and    Community
                                                               Engagement: During the reporting period, the
                                                               research unit employed various innovative methods
                                                               to communicate their research to a wider audience
                                                               and engage with the community.

                                                               Key activities included:

                                                               BMRI  Open Day  and Academic  Presentations:
                                                               Members of the CTR showcased their work at the
                                                               BMRI Open Day and the Faculty of Medicine and
               Wastewater Metagenomics Pipeline.               Health  Sciences' Annual  Academic  Day, engaging
                                                               with  high  school  learners  and  university  students
                                                               through interactive Expo stalls and presentations.

                                                               Public Science Communication: The (Animal TB
                                                               Research Group) team participated in several public
                                                               science communication events, using photographs,
                                                               videos, and interactive activities to engage learners
                                                               and the public. They collaborated with professional
                                                               filmmakers  to  document  field  projects  for  public
                                                               television and maintained an active online presence
                                                               through a website and social media.

                                                               Community Outreach and Education: Students and
                                                               researchers  engaged in  social outreach activities
                                                               organized by the societal impact task team, fostering
                                                               meaningful engagement and elevating community
                                                               knowledge.  Activities  included  exhibitions,  radio
               Capacity building of the Brazilian Tuberculosis
               Surveillance Network (REVIGET) team in          interviews, and educational sessions with learners,
               BSL-3 laboratory.                               particularly in rural areas. The TB outreach in Upington
                                                               involved visiting schools and conducting follow-up
                                                               radio interviews, with positive feedback prompting
                                                               annual updates and broader communication
                                                               through newsletters and emails.

                                                               This has made the research more accessible
                                                               and engaging, inspiring enthusiasm for careers
                                                               and  fostering  a  deeper  understanding  of  health
                                                               research among diverse audiences. The use of art,
                                                               storytelling, and interactive methods has enhanced
                                                               the impact of these engagements, contributing
                                                               to the overall success of the research unit's
                                                               communication strategy.
               Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI) located on
               the Tygerberg campus of Stellenbosch University.









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