Africa is emerging and breaking boundaries in terms of research
Africa is emerging and breaking boundaries in terms of research
Professor Keolebogile Motaung TUT
Qhawekazi Memani
Africa has reached a milestone in term of its cutting-edge research and on 27 July launched its very first African Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (ATERMIS) at the Riverside Sun hotel in Vanderbijilpark.
Delegates who participated in the launch included Dr Siyabulela Ntutela, Chief Executive Officer at Africa Bio. Giving the keynote address was Mr Mmboneni Muofhe, Deputy Director General: Technology Innovations. Guest speakers were Professor John Fisher from TERMIS-America and Professor Jeffrey Mphahlele, Vice President; South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) who explained the role of the SAMRC in advancing Tissue Engeneering and Regenerative Medicine in Africa.
Dr Sepo Hachigonta: Director Strategic Partnerships National Research Foundation (NRF) and others explained the roles they play at TERMIS.
The ATERMIS Society will help develop and support upcoming scientists. It will also find means of collaborating with other African countries. In his keynote address Mr Mmboneni highlighted that the establishment of the society is what has been needed the most. A lot of solutions will be provided going forward that will resolve the health challenges of the continent as a whole. “Africa is emerging and it is time to reflect on ourselves as Africans and hold hands together to build capacity so that we catch up with developed countries in terms of research,” he said.
The newly appointed members of ATERMIS are Dr Aliyu Muhammed from Nigeria, Dr AimolaIdowu also from Nigeria, Dr Farisau Chinnzwondo from Zimbabwe, Dr Marianne Mureithi from Kenya and Professor Morna Marci from Egypt. These members are joining Professor Keolebogile Motaung who is the President and Dr Kevin Dzobo as the Vice-President