The Thirtieth session of the Council of Scientific Advisers (CSA) was held in Cape Town, South Africa on 16-17 April 2024. Attended by 14 global scientific leaders who currently serve on the Council.
The historic session was chaired by Dr. Roger Beachy, Dept. of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA, marking the end of his mandate as Council Member, and co-chaired by Dr. Lynne E. Maquat, of the Depts. of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Oncology & Pediatrics, School of Medicine & Dentistry, Director of the Center for RNA Biology, and Chair, Graduate Women in Science, University of Rochester, NY, USA.
The CSA comprises eminent scientists active in the international arena in the Life Sciences and provide the backbone to the ICGEB’s global activities. The CSA review the scientific research activity of the Organisation, on a rotational basis, this year focusing on the work undertaken at the Cape Town Component . In addition, the CSA examines and advises on the work programme and the budget of the Centre.
Over two days, the 6 Groups in Cape Town, active in the research areas of the Component presented an overview of their activities, highlights and achievements over the last 3 years, as well as future plans in their research. At the most youthful and international Component of the ICGEB (established in 2007), the number of nationalities represented, more than doubles the number of South African nationals on board. Results of research in the agricultural and health fields are testament to the international collaboration, partnerships and funding underway. The Component is strongly supported by the South African Department of Science and Innovation, and, in turn, strives to deliver on the priority areas for the nation and the continent in Biotechnology.
A poster session took place with ICGEB PhD and Postdoctoral fellows from each laboratory engaging directly with CSA members to discuss their projects. Findings from the session will be presented to the Board in May 2024 by Sir Rich Roberts, Nobel laureate and distinguished member of the Council.
At the margin of the session, an agreement was signed between the ICGEB Director-General, Dr. Lawrence Banks and Prof. Jin Li, President of Fudan University (CSA Member from China) to reinforce a fellowship programme and to establish Fudan University as the validating university for the PhD course at the ICGEB Regional Research Centre in Taizhou.
The thirty first session of the CSA is scheduled to take place in New Delhi, India in April 2025.
