ICGEB Cape Town held its first Research Day in October 2025, bringing together all of its researchers to talk about ‘our science’.
Over fifty researchers joined forces to showcase their research and use the opportunity to network, with many meeting each other for the first time. This new ICGEB Cape Town event was designed to offer Group Leaders, Senior Scientists, Postdoctoral and Doctoral researchers as well as research technicians, an environment, away from the laboratories, to raise awareness of each other’s research and facilitate inter-disciplinary exchange.
The Programme included an eclectic mix of traditional scientific talks, poster sessions, as well as a freestyle segment: communicating your science in your own way, followed by the Speed Science session: a two-minute rotational chat to talk about yourself and your research.
Recognising the importance of science communication, Research Day encouraged the young, talented scientists at ICGEB Cape Town to present their research in varied formats. Popular communication mediums included 2-minute short videos and elevator pitches, music videos, story books and poems.
With over 20 nationalities operating at ICGEB Cape Town, the majority from Africa, Research Day was a testament to the youthful and international ICGEB Component. The Component, strongly supported by the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation continues to deliver on the priority areas for South Africa and the continent in Biotechnology, promoting the importance of Science for Development.
