“This is great for traditional medicines innovative research and for us to maintain our good research performance and lead in this area. I can employ more competent contract researchers/scientists, purchase the best research equipment, conduct competitive global research and retain my staff and my academic performance. The funds came at the right time as we are taking our research to impact and in commercialising our innovations,” says Prof Matsabisa.
Prof Vasu Reddy, UFS Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation, says: “This grant is a powerful endorsement of African-led innovations and the excellence of Prof Matsabisa’s research. We celebrate this milestone that places the UFS at the forefront of traditional medicine research with local and global impact.”
The funding shows confidence in AMITD
AMITD is a pioneering national platform dedicated to advancing research, community engagement, and innovations in traditional African medicines. With a rich history rooted in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), AMITD has established itself as a leader in the scientific exploration and development of traditional medicines, herbal formulations, and pharmacology across the continent. The platform is at the forefront of research development in traditional medicines, specialising in formulation science, pharmacology, and product development. Their work focuses on addressing priority health challenges, including emerging and re-emerging pandemics, by developing new intellectual property (IP) for commercialisation.
According to Prof Reddy, this investment from TIA is more than just funding – it’s a bold recognition of and commitment to pioneering research that is rooted in indigenous knowledge and deeply responsive to our health needs and challenges.
The funding is for research operations and for the employment of skilled researchers in the field of pharmacology, pharmacy and pharmaceutical science and associated support natural science disciplines. The money will also be used for research translation, training, publications as well as travel and purchasing capital for equipment amongst others.
Prof Matsabisa added that this is not a small amount and for the TIA and government to entrust AMITD with such a large amount of money, shows they have full confidence in the work of the platform. He continues: “What is important when receiving such a research grant is to perform, deliver, get the right outputs, produce good scientific results and data that influence policy. More importantly, AMITD achieves all these and also has impact on policy and society.
“AMITD is also there to support industry. All the attributes that contribute to innovative research, innovations, IP, and impact that directly and indirectly creates decent jobs. AMIDT is for impact. This is needed in these difficult times where the country and the continent need to come up with homegrown and innovative solutions to counteract geopolitical issues that require scientific solutions,” says Prof Matsabisa.
Prof Reddy also remarked “With this grant, AMITD is set to scale to new heights in research and innovation. Prof Matsabisa’s work exemplifies the kind of transformative science that drives societal change and policy influence.”