Latest News Archive
Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
24 July 2024
|
Story Lacea Loader
![]()
The University of the Free State (UFS) is co-hosting the Global Social Innovation Indaba together with Social Innovation Exchange (SIX) on its Bloemfontein Campus from 30 September to 2 October 2024. This event brings together people from different sectors all over the world to discuss how to accelerate and support people-powered
change and create a better society for generations to come.
The UFS is excited to collaborate with SIX, as its vision and values overlap. During this three-day indaba, aspects such as – what it takes to build accountable, inclusive, and participatory institutions, specifically the future role of universities in South Africa – will be discussed. Themes to be explored include young people as drivers of change, post-industrial transitions and community resilience, the role of art, social change and bridging divides, and systemic approaches to dealing with unemployment.
Some of the speakers and participants in the programme include Carla Duprat from ICE (Brazil); Cheryl Jacob from ESquared Investments (South Africa); François Bonnici from the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship (Switzerland); Sir Geoff Mulgan from the University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom; and Dr Narissa Ramdhani from the Ifa Lethu Foundation (South Africa).
The UFS will also use the opportunity to showcase its campus and offerings to attendees, focusing on its transformation story and some of the interdisciplinary forward-thinking programmes. Guests will also be treated to true South African hospitality, laying the foundation for strong relationships and collaboration.
SIX believes in the transformative power of people working together. Exchanges based on mutual value and reciprocity are the missing link in tackling the world’s problems. As a friendly, expert entry point to global social innovation, their work connects organisations, sectors, communities, and nations to build capabilities and create opportunities for collaboration.
GMO Testing Facility receives visit from Norwegian Embassy and other government departments
2009-04-23
 |
The GMO Testing Facility in the Department of Haematology and Cell Biology of the University of the Free State (UFS) recently received a visit from representatives of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) and the National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). The GMO Testing Facility provides diagnostic detection and quantification of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in grain and processed foods for the food industry in South Africa. Prof. Chris Viljoen who is the Director of the facility, recently received a grant of R3,284 million for research on the biosafety of GMOs in South Africa. The grant forms part of a collaboration agreement between South Africa and Norway. The delegation paid a courtesy visit to the facility to discuss the project as well as visit ongoing field trials. Here are, from the left, front: Mr Shoni Munzhedzi, Chief Director for Biodiversity Management at the DEAT, Ms Theressa Frantz, Director for Applied Biodiversity Research at SANBI, Prof. Letticia Moja, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the UFS, and Prof. Chris Viljoen from the university’s GMO Testing Facility; back: Mr Tim Lund, Counsellor to the Royal Norwegian Embassy, and Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS.
Photo: Stephen Collett |