Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Science does not exist in isolation. The complex challenges we face in our daily lives demand collaboration across disciplines, industries, and sectors. That is why the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry (CMBG) engages with an active network of investors, donors, partners, and collaborators, recognising that transformative research thrives on collective expertise and shared vision. By partnering with universities, research institutions, government agencies, and private industries, we translate cutting-edge scientific discoveries into real-world solutions that drive sustainable progress.
Our mission extends beyond understanding the natural world; it is about applying that knowledge to build a future where human innovation and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. With the support of our network, we develop forward-thinking policies and technologies that ensure both people and the planet thrive.
The CMBG sincerely thanks all our investors, donors, partners, and collaborators for their trust and commitment – your contributions make our work possible. As we continue to push the borders of scientific discovery, we invite you to join us in shaping a more sustainable and resilient world.
The Biogeochemistry Research Infrastructure Platform (BIOGRIP), an initiative of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), is a key investor in the CMBG, providing critical funding and infrastructure to advance research in mineral biogeochemistry. Through its support, BIOGRIP enables cutting-edge studies on microbial-mineral interactions, bioremediation, and sustainable resource management, with a strong focus on translating research into practical, real-world applications. This investment strengthens CMBG’s capacity for high-impact, solution-driven research, fosters collaboration between academia and industry, and contributes to South Africa’s leadership in biogeochemical innovation and environmental sustainability.
Lasec® has generously sponsored high-quality lab coats for the CMBG, reinforcing its commitment to advancing scientific research and laboratory excellence. This sponsorship not only enhances the safety and professionalism of our researchers but also fosters a sense of identity and collaboration within the laboratory. By supporting essential research infrastructure, Lasec® contributes to the centre’s mission to drive innovation in environmental sustainability.
Verder Scientific has made a valuable contribution as a sponsor of the Tritech Nationals 2024, showcasing its commitment to supporting scientific innovation and education. Through its sponsorship, Verder Scientific has helped facilitate a platform where young, aspiring scientists can present their research, engage with experts, and compete at a national level. Its involvement not only empowers the next generation of scientists but also aligns with the CMBG’s mission to promote scientific excellence and inspire future generations.
Driven by our unwavering commitment to discovering and nurturing young scientific talent in STEM fields, the CMBG joined forces with Tritech SA in 2021. We recognised Tritech as more than just a competition – it is a gateway to discovery, a platform where the brightest young minds can step beyond the classroom and into the world of real scientific exploration.
Through our expertise, mentorship, and resources, we are helping to shape Tritech into a launchpad for the next generation of scientists and innovators. For many learners, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, this competition is their first real opportunity to engage with science in a meaningful way, to interact with leading researchers, and to showcase their groundbreaking ideas on a national stage. Without this initiative, countless young talents might never get the chance to unlock their full potential in STEM education.
By investing in these young minds today, we are shaping the scientific leaders of tomorrow, driving innovation, and ensuring a future where science is accessible, inclusive, and transformative for all.
The CMBG has partnered with the Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) – or the Green Scorpions, as they are known to the public – of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) in a shared mission to protect South Africa’s natural resources through science-driven environmental enforcement. This collaboration leverages the CMBG’s expertise to support the detection, monitoring, and remediation of environmental contamination, aiding in the fight against pollution and ecological degradation. By working alongside the Green Scorpions, the CMBG contributes to evidence-based decision-making, helps to strengthen environmental regulations, and promote sustainable land and resource management. Together, this partnership underscores the critical role of scientific research in safeguarding ecosystems and ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future.
The CMBG is proud to share a joint mission with Getty Asterism on the Zuka Private Game Reserve – a partnership that bridges the fields of conservation and biogeochemistry. This collaboration explores the intricate relationships between minerals, microbial life, and ecosystem dynamics within protected landscapes, contributing to both environmental sustainability and scientific discovery. By combining our expertise with Getty Asterism’s focus on conservation and cultural heritage, this partnership advances research that not only deepens our understanding of natural processes but also supports the preservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity in unique and fragile environments.