The Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research (CPGR) originated from an initiative by the South African Department of Science & Technology (DST), and is funded by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). It aims to support the development of an internationally competitive bio-economy as envisioned in the DST’s strategic plans.
The organisation was created in 2006 with a view to establish a modern, world-class ‘omics’ facility that meets the needs of the scientific community in academia and industry in South Africa. We provide state-of-the-art services, technical expertise and collaborative research capabilities in Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics.
COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE OFFERING
The CPGR creates value for its customers through standard services and in custom (contract research/collaborative) projects. We combine cutting-edge, information-rich genomic and proteomic technologies with bio-computational applications to convert biological samples into digital information and scientific knowledge.
In addition to employing in-house service platforms, the CPGR is leveraging a variety of external resources to create economies of scale and scope. This is a necessary antecedent for rendering cost-effective Genomic, Proteomic and Bioinformatic solutions in Africa. In so doing, the CPGR orchestrates available capacity in a networked fashion that facilitates agile responses to a wide range of needs, and enables the rendering of customised solutions to our constituent user-base. The network approach also facilitates the creation and diffusion of knowledge – a crucial prerequisite for innovation in the rapidly evolving ‘omics’ arena. Ultimately, our aim is to create an eco-system that nurtures life science innovation in Africa.
CORE PRINCIPLES
We believe that to make significant advancement in the life sciences on the African continent requires the effective interplay of three activities:
- Access to world-class infrastructure
- Provision of affordable, high-quality services
- Empowerment through training – particularly in the field of data-analysis and interpretation
VISION AND MISSION
Our vision is to be a key driver in South Africa’s effort to become one of the leading bio-economies of the 21st century. Our mission is to be an ‘omics’ technology platform that provides pioneering solutions, while identifying and pursuing niche opportunities in the development of the country’s modern biotech sector.