Case study
Where science meets events for the common good
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION BUREAU HIGHLIGHTS THE WORK OF ONE OF ITS CONFERENCE AMBASSADORS , PROFESSOR THULANI MAKHALANYANE , DEPUTY DIRECTOR , CENTRE FOR MICROBIAL ECOLOGY AND GENOMICS , AND LECTURER , DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS , UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
W hile studying for his Masters , Thulani Makhalanyane attended his first international conference in Seattle where he was approached by the International Society of Microbial Ecology ( ISME ), who requested that he become one of their Young Ambassadors . In this role , his duties included organising workshops and supporting travel grants for those working within the field . Ambassadors are also responsible for stimulating interactions in each of the regions where ISME is located and so , with several different networks in South America , Africa , Middle-East and Southeast Asia , all of which have their own conferences , the Ambassadors are in place to ensure these events are rolled out successfully .
Today Thulani leads the Ambassador Project and is currently a member of the ISME board . In 2015 , he was awarded the National Science and Technology Foundation T W Kambule Award in the Emerging Researcher category .
Importance of research in a knowledge-based economy Research done by ISME and the various Genomics departments in the microbial ecology and genomics field does not just belong in a University laboratory . It provides invaluable baseline data , and the work produced has several long-term downstream practical applications . The fundamental research run by these organisations and educational bodies is key to understanding how the world works . Case in point ; South Africa , like many countries , is experiencing climate change and it is important to know how this will impact the country ’ s ability to grow certain plants . There is also a big interest in gut microbes and a study was conducted to determine how a rural or urban lifestyle can affect one ’ s gut microbial . Understanding the difference that might exist between different types of people can lead to more tailor-made healthcare because pharmaceuticals will have the data and ability to manufacture precision medicine which is quite individualised .
The benefits go beyond the world of science . Due to the level of computational tools that are used , students learn coding and business intelligence , and many who have had projects with the Department of Genomics have gone on to work for institutions such as banks and others where these skills are in demand . Further to this , students in the programme are also taught valuable competencies such as troubleshooting when faced with a challenge or obstacle , thinking up different research questions and how to initiate and carry projects to completion . These are skills that are transferable across many sectors removed from the academic setting .
Collaborating with SANCB The pandemic notwithstanding , ISME has had a number of successful collaborations with the SANCB and is currently working on the 2024 International Symposium on Microbial Ecology . Delegates and organisers are
increasingly having an appetite for an African experience and this event will be the first ever 2024 International Symposium on Microbial Ecology held in Africa ! It will be an amazing opportunity for local students to experience the level and pace of science at an international level . The peace of mind that comes from being able to rely on the bureau for support in putting together the bid is worth its weight in gold . ISME worked hand in hand with Brand SA and the Western Cape Tourism Bureau to put together a very competitive bid for the Symposium . South Africa was up against Hawaii , Beijing and a few other wellgeared destinations . However , a solid offering , competent suppliers and a unique destination made for a strong bid and the conference was secured . Working with the SANCB and people who have done this routinely made the logistics of hosting a conference easier . Organised Site Inspections that entailed giving planners and organisers a feel of the country were vital to the processes – an element that an academic might not have considered .
“ There are opportunities to host conferences in South Africa and all academic bodies should be involved . Creating opportunities for local and international players to meet , interact and share knowledge helps propel careers forward ,” says Makhalanyane . n
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