The University of the Free State (UFS) is set to mark a major milestone in its commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation with the official launch of the newly upgraded UFS-Next-Generation Sequencing (UFS-NGS) Unit facility. This landmark event coincides with the unit’s 10-year anniversary, celebrating a decade of impactful contributions to genomics research, training, and collaboration. 

The launch, scheduled for Tuesday, 26 May 2026, at the unit’s new address in the Pharmacology Building on the Bloemfontein campus, represents a significant expansion of the UFS-NGS Unit genomics research capacity, reinforcing its position as a leader in cutting-edge biomedical science. Guests attending the event will have the opportunity to tour the new facility, engage with the UFS-NGS Unit research team, and gain insight into the unit’s growing role in supporting high-quality research and postgraduate training. 

According to Prof Martin Nyaga, Head of UFS-NGS, the unit has played a pivotal role over the past decade in supporting multidisciplinary research initiatives, training postgraduate students, and fostering innovation within the university and beyond. “In celebration of this 10-year milestone, the unit will offer a unique opportunity to 10 internal UFS researchers from the Faculties of Health Sciences and Natural and Agricultural Sciences to have 10 samples each sequenced at no cost, a theme builds up on 10-10-10. This initiative aims to promote internal sequencing capacity and enhance research outputs across the institution,” he says. 

In addition, the celebrations will extend beyond the launch event through a three-day, hands-on next-generation sequencing (NGS) wet-lab training programme taking place from 27-29 May 2026. Designed for UFS researchers and postgraduate students, the training will provide practical experience in modern sequencing technologies, including sample preparation, sequencing workflows, and introductory bioinformatics analysis. Led by experienced genomics specialists, the programme reflects the unit’s ongoing commitment to skills development and research capacity building.

The launch programme will open with welcome remarks by Prof Nyaga, followed by insights from top university management, including Prof Anthea Rhoda, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic; Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation & Postgraduate Studies; as well as Dr Molapo Qhobela, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategic Initiatives, International and Institutional Affairs. The event will also be attended by faculty leadership, including Prof Deliwe Rene Phetlhu, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Prof Chris Viljoen, the Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences. The event will culminate in a keynote address and official launch by Prof Hester C. Klopper, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

This occasion is further distinguished by the unit’s recent designation as a UFS Sustainability Research Chair for Genomic Surveillance of Enteric and Respiratory Pathogens in Children in South Africa. This recognition highlights the unit’s critical role in addressing pressing public health challenges through genomic science, while strengthening national, continental, and global research partnerships.