The University of the Free State (UFS), through its African Medicines Innovations and Technologies Development (AMITD) platform, will play host to the 59th South African Society of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (SASBCP) at its Bloemfontein Campus. 

The SASBCP Conference, which serves as a vital platform for driving new science, health and research progress and connecting experts in the field, will take place from 7-9 September under the theme Inclusivity, Innovation, and Internationalisation for Integrative Medicine Pharmacology at the Forefront. The theme emphasises the importance of embracing diverse perspectives, pioneering new approaches, and fostering global collaboration to advance integrative medicine through pharmacological research and practice.

Prof Motlalepula Matsabisa, Research Director of AMITD and conference host, says the three-day event is an important annual event dedicated to advancing research and collaboration in basic and clinical pharmacology in South Africa and abroad. The theme resonates well with the current trends in health and medicine.

Looking forward to exchanging new knowledge and ideas

“The conference has attracted many pharmacologists, leading scientists, clinicians, students, researchers, and industry professionals in the field of health research and traditional medicines, policy makers and medicine regulation. We anticipate hosting between 150 and 200 participants, both local and international. 

“Thus far the international participants that have confirmed attendance come from Chile, Brazil, Bolivia, Jamaica, Cuba, Germany, Italy, China, India, Cameroon, Uganda, Ghana, Botswana, New Zealand, Nigeria, Lesotho and Tanzania. The interest is still being expressed, and we foresee more people applying as our conference website has now been launched and is live,” says Prof Matsabisa. 

According to him, he is looking forward to the exchange and blending of new knowledge and ideas around research in pharmacology and how international partners integrate traditional medicine into their health systems. Inclusivity, Prof Matsabisa explains, is part of the theme, as they are looking to bring traditional health practitioners to play a role in formal health settings. 

AMITD and the Department of Pharmacology within the UFS School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, are honoured to host this international conference. “We acknowledge upfront the support received from the Department of Science Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the UFS through the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, as well as the Dean of the Faculty of Health Science’s office, and other key sponsors and partners. 

“My message to the conference participants is that Bloemfontein is a place to find collaborative and progressive health initiatives. We are not just at the centre of South Africa, but we are the centre for innovations in health research and its application. We are the preferred institution for government, funders, communities and researchers in pharmacology and traditional medicines, and for the applied research that has an impact on society, formal economies and policy,” says Prof Matsabisa.