Research and Innovation Day at Unisa to focus on bioeconomy

College of Science, Engineering & Technology

Unisa’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at the Science Campus in Florida is set to host a Research and Innovation Day on 22 May 2024. With a focus on the theme "Bioeconomy: harnessing biological resources for economic growth and societal change", the event promises to be a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration and insight into the transformative potential of bioeconomy initiatives.

Keynote speaker and distinguished professors

Keynote speaker Dr Tiisetso Lephoto

Renowned figures in academia and the scientific community will grace the event. Dr Tiisetso Elizabeth Lephoto, an influential figure in the scientific community and the visionary force behind Nematech Pty Ltd, will act as keynote speaker.

Lephoto’s pioneering work and academic prowess in microbiology and biotechnology make her the perfect beacon to guide the journey through the transformative potential of biological resources. She will be joined by distinguished professors from various disciplines, including Prof Michael Pillay, Prof Phineas Khazamula Chauke, Prof Vhahangwele Masindi, Prof Jasper Rees and Prof Jones Ng’ambi. Each academic brings a wealth of expertise to the table, promising a multifaceted exploration of bioeconomy principles and applications.

The excitement does not end there. CAES is honoured to welcome industry titans, such as Pule Shabalala from Inqaba Biotec Industries and Jonathan Lembelani Daka, co-founder and CEO of Buboo Bio Innovations, who will share their invaluable insights and experience, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The event is proudly sponsored by Inqaba Biotec Industries, NIKON (Advanced Laboratory Solutions), PPS Insurance, ANATECH, Labotec and Merck, highlighting the importance of industry-academia collaboration in driving bioeconomy initiatives forward. Several stakeholders, including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), will also be in attendance.

Distinguished Professors Jasper Rees, Jones Ng’ambi, Michael Pillay and Vhahangwele Masindi

Poster session for showcasing innovation

A highlight of the Research and Innovation Day will be the poster session, where researchers will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative projects and initiatives. Attendees can expect to be inspired by diverse research endeavours aimed at harnessing biological resources for societal benefit, ranging from novel discoveries to practical applications.

Bioeconomy represents a paradigm shift in how we approach economic growth and sustainability. By leveraging biological resources, technologies and innovations, bioeconomy offers solutions that are not only economically viable but also environmentally sustainable. In an era marked by climate change, resource depletion and food insecurity, the exploration of bioeconomy principles holds immense promise for addressing these global challenges.

The upcoming Research and Innovation Day is poised to be a pivotal event thanks to an esteemed line-up of speakers, industry collaboration and a focus on showcasing cutting-edge research. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the future of harnessing biological resources for economic growth and societal change. As the world grapples with complex challenges, initiatives like these underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future.

Click here for the invitation (note that RSVP is required) and click here for the programme.

* By Gugu Masinga, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences