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12 November 2024 | Story Jacky Tshokwe | Photo Supplied
Dr Mariana Erasmus
Dr Mariana Erasmus (Vice Director, CMBG) demonstrates some of the equipment in the newly established, state-of-the-art laboratories at the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry.

The University of the Free State (UFS) recently hosted a landmark event-the national launch of the South African Biogeochemistry Research Infrastructure Platform (BIOGRIP) - in the Centenary Complex on its Bloemfontein Campus. This significant occasion marked the establishment of the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry at the UFS and underscored South Africa’s growing commitment to biogeochemistry research.

Prof Anthea Rhoda welcomed the distinguished gathering of scientists, students, industry leaders, and stakeholders, highlighting the launch as a collaborative milestone in South Africa's scientific journey. In her address, Prof Rhoda emphasised the importance of the interdisciplinary nature of biogeochemistry, where biology, geology, and chemistry converge to offer insights into critical issues such as climate change, water quality, and soil health. She remarked on the necessity of collaboration, explaining that BIOGRIP’s platform, built on shared resources and expertise, exemplifies the power of uniting across institutional boundaries to accelerate impactful discoveries.

The programme featured insightful scientific talks by leading experts, each focusing on how biogeochemistry addresses key environmental issues such as sustainability and resource management. These presentations reinforced BIOGRIP’s commitment to advancing knowledge that can influence policy and improve practices.

Attendees were also given guided tours of the state-of-the-art laboratories in the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry, which provided a behind-the-scenes look at the advanced tools and methods employed in studying interactions between minerals, biology, and the environment. For many, this was a highlight, as they observed firsthand how biogeochemical research is conducted and contributes to soil health, pollution control, and environmental conservation.

The launch provided ample networking opportunities, fostering connections among academics, government representatives, industry professionals, and environmental organisations. Over a catered lunch, participants engaged in vibrant discussions about potential collaborations and the role of biogeochemistry in addressing South Africa’s environmental challenges.

The BIOGRIP national launch stands as a milestone event, not only for the UFS, but for the broader South African scientific community. With the establishment of this research platform, South Africa is well-positioned to tackle pressing environmental issues through innovative research and cross-sector collaboration. The event left attendees inspired and motivated, setting an optimistic tone for the future of biogeochemistry research in the region.

News Archive

Discussion on reconciliation and social cohesion
2013-03-15

15 March 2013

South Africa has been pursuing the journey of reconciliation between races since 1994. One of the key variables in this is the de-racialising of the economic legacy of apartheid.

The results of Census 2011 show that racial income inequality, that was introduced and maintained by apartheid, still persists. What are the implications of this for the reconciliation project?

The UFS and the National Research Foundation (NRF) is hosting a dialogue on reconciliation and social cohesion in the context of racial inequality at the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.

This dialogue is part if the Science for Society Lecture Series by the NRF, which seeks to bridge the divide between science and community issues. The objective is to help society relate to how science, research and technology positively impact our day-to-day lives and on future generations.

Speakers: Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, Senior Research Professor on Trauma, Forgiveness and Reconciliation at UFS and Prof Andre Keet, Director of the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice at UFS.

Come and join the discussion.

  • Date: Tuesday 19 March 2013
  • Time: 18:30
  • Place: Albert Wessels Auditorium

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