Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items

Advancing Biogeochemistry Research at the UFS

12 November 2024 | Story Jacky Tshokwe | Photo Supplied

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

Deputy Minister leads a space science outreach programme in Bloemfontein

2014-02-28

The Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Michael Masutha and Mandla Maseko– the first black South African expected to go into space in 2015 – will participate in a Space Science Outreach Programme at the University of the Free State on Saturday 1 March 2014.

The event, taking place at the Bloemfontein Campus, is part of an outreach programme to raise awareness about South Africa’s advances in space science and technology and its benefits to society.

Mr Maseko will share his exciting experiences in the Axe Apollo Space Academy competition, a challenging event that included skydiving, aptitude tests and building and launching a rocket with about 600 learners from the surrounding areas. The 25-year-old from Mabopane near Pretoria will become the first black astronaut when he goes into space on the Lynx Mark II Shuttle, next year.

The outreach event will include activities such as telescope making and rocket launching. Workshops demonstrating the benefits of space science in areas such as earth observations, scientific research and development and human capital development, will also be conducted.

Among others, the open day will feature exhibitions such as the project to build the world’s largest telescope, the Square Kilometre Array and the recent launch into space of the country’s micro-satellite – ZACUBE1 built by post-graduate students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

Other exhibitors will include the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO), the Agricultural Research Council, Denel Dynamics, the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the South African Weather Services (SAWS).

Officials from the provincial Department of Basic Education are also expected to attend.

Journalists are invited to the outreach

Venue: Economics Building, University of the Free State
Date: Saturday 1 March 2014
Time: 08:00

For more information, contact Veronica Mohapeloa at +27(0)82 882 3818 or +27(0)12 843 6788 or email veronica.mohapeloa@dst.gov.za OR David Mandaha at +27(0)72 126 8910 or david.mandaha@dst.gov.za

Back

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept