Get to know some of the researchers at the University of the Free State whose work is inspiring excellence and transforming lives globally.
In addition to the experts listed below, the UFS also boasts a unique research centre: The International Studies Group (ISG), which comprises a wide network of postgraduate researchers each with their own specialist field.
To arrange an interview with any of our experts, please contact our media office at news@ufs.ac.za.
Prof Chris Viljoen
Area of expertise: Human molecular biology
Faculty/Department: Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences
Prof Chris Viljoen is a C3 National Research Foundation (NRF) – accredited researcher in possession of a PhD degree with Human Molecular Biology as his area of specialisation. His research has been on the application of food authenticity including integrity, quality and safety in Human Molecular Biology, and as a result of this research work, an independent business unit was established at the University of the Free State - the GMO Testing Facility, that provides a molecular biology diagnostic service to the food industry for the status certification of food in terms of genetic modification.
In addition to this, the molecular diagnostic technology platform is used to detect and quantify the disease load of chronic myeloid leukaemia in patient samples, in order for their treatment to be managed effectively.
The research on food authenticity has been published in international journals and has informed the discussions in South Africa regarding the implementation of mandatory labelling of genetically modified (GM) ingredients in food.
The lab has made research advances in molecular diagnostics that have been published in international journals regarding food authenticity testing as well as the diagnostics of chronic myeloid leukaemia.
Contact Details
Telephone: +27 51 4053656
E-mail: ViljoenCD@ufs.ac.za
