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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.

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Students applaud Prof Jansen one last time
2016-08-11

Description: The Talk To Me  Tags: The Talk To Me

Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the
University of the Free State, talks to a student outside the
Library of the South Campus on Tuesday 26 July 2016
during the Talk To Me session.
Photo: Rulanzen Martin

“The Talk To Me session made me feel like I mattered.”

This was one of the compliments the University of the Free State (UFS) and Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS, received after the last Talk To Me sessions for the year.

On 25 and 26 July 2016, Prof Jansen gave staff and students on the Bloemfontein and South Campuses a chance to pull up a chair and have a chat with him on issues that mattered to them.

The students commended Prof Jansen on this great initiative as they felt their voices were being heard. It allowed them an opportunity to speak to him directly, as well as to make suggestions on things they were concerned about. “I really appreciate this manner of allowing students to have a chat with Prof Jansen,” a student said, giving feedback on the session.

Students were very pleased with the professionalism and organisation of the whole session, but requested that it be held more often, therefore giving more students the opportunity to converse with Prof Jansen. The majority of the students suggested that the session with Prof Jansen should run longer than just an hour as there were a large number of students who would appreciate a heart-to-heart chat with Prof Jansen.

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