One of the key roles the CPGR is playing is the work we do with the South African academic community – a service for which we charge zero Rand and zero cents. But what value are we creating by doing this? What impacts are we having? This is where the Social Benefits-Costs Ratio (SBCR) framework [...]
Fixes that fail in ‘omics’ research and translation
I have recently explored the development of the biggest Genomics facility in the world at present, the BGI in China, to contextualize what kind of role Africa can play in the ‘omics’ revolution. Here, I am starting to investigate some of the challenges the ‘omics’ discipline is experiencing as it generates increasing amounts of data at increasingly [...]
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
The CPGR recently exhibited at the National Research Foundation (NRF) Postdoctoral Research Forum, hosted by the NH Lord Charles Hotel in sunny Somerset West from 7-9 December 2011. This is the third year this forum is being held, enabling postdoctoral researchers to share information and experiences, and simplify collaborations. Our participation provided the opportunity to [...]
Can Africa play a role in the ‘omics’ revolution?
Can Africa play a role in the ‘omics’ revolution? This is a question that I am being asked frequently by colleagues locally and internationally. If yes, what role could it be? I’d like to explore the role Africa can play through 3 different lenses: China’s role as an emerging superpower in biotechnology, with a particular [...]