MEETING OF THE BOARD OF THE DST/NRF CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN TREE HEALTH BIOTECHNOLOGY (CTHB) IN 2007
Back row, left to right: Mike Wingfield, Joseph Tshikomba, Anton Stroh, Brenda Wingfield, Bheki Hadebe, Gerhard Moolman,
Coert Geldenhuys
Front row, left to right: Diana Six, Eddie Mwenje, Robin Crewe, Mike Edwards
Front row, left to right: Diana Six, Eddie Mwenje, Robin Crewe, Mike Edwards
The 6th meeting of the CTHB Board took place at FABI on 7 May 2007. The Chairman, Prof Robin Crewe, Vice Principal (Research) of the University of Pretoria welcomed Mr Gerhard Moolman,
who replaced Dr Rob Drennan as the NRF representative on the Board of the CoE. The following are a few key issues that emerged from the Board meeting:
· An interesting issue discussed at the meeting was that two Board members, Prof Coert Geldenhuys and Mr Mike Edwards, had been involved in the development of the National Forestry Report. Amongst other issues, this is an important document for the CTHB and board members have ensured that the pest and disease control has been included.. Negotiations had resulted in a separate section in the Charter being devoted to the question of pest and disease, for which Mr Edwards was responsible. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) should take this issue seriously as it was crucial to protecting the water and forestry resources in the country. It was hoped that with the new Forestry Charter being in place, DWAF might be committed to act on the issue of the Sirex threat to the country.
· The Board agreed that it was crucial for DWAF to be a player in the CoE although no formal linkages had been set up. The CoE was also tasked with developing this relationship further. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) was thanked for funding the purchase of a new high-throughput DNA Sequencer suitable for whole genome sequencing. Consistent with CTHB philosophy, this equipment has been placed at Inqaba Biotech, the first molecular biotechnology company in South Africa. This is a key piece of equipment that will enable South African researchers to be in the front line of genomics research and is also very closely aligned with the activities of the CTHB.
· The Board congratulated the CTHB on their outreach activities during 2006. These included University of Pretoria’s "UP with Science" programme and active participation in the SASOL Scifest in early 2007. Furthermore, and as noted elsewhere in this document, the CTHB has supported the MPEPU Rural Youth Empowerment (MRYE) outreach programme for a second year, assisting in spreading an understanding of CTHB goals to disadvantaged pupils and schools in rural areas..
· The research progress of the six post-doctoral fellows, eleven PhD’s and fourteen Masters students working in the programme was highlighted and the CTHB was congratulated on the research outputs. Two highlights for FABI in 2006/2007 were the winning of the THRIP award for the best institution producing post-graduate students and publications in 2006, and in 2007 being a runner-up to Winetech in the NSTF awards competition.
After a most successful meeting the Board members joined overseas delegates to the TPCP/CTHB Annual Research Symposium, for dinner in FABI Square.
· An interesting issue discussed at the meeting was that two Board members, Prof Coert Geldenhuys and Mr Mike Edwards, had been involved in the development of the National Forestry Report. Amongst other issues, this is an important document for the CTHB and board members have ensured that the pest and disease control has been included.. Negotiations had resulted in a separate section in the Charter being devoted to the question of pest and disease, for which Mr Edwards was responsible. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) should take this issue seriously as it was crucial to protecting the water and forestry resources in the country. It was hoped that with the new Forestry Charter being in place, DWAF might be committed to act on the issue of the Sirex threat to the country.
· The Board agreed that it was crucial for DWAF to be a player in the CoE although no formal linkages had been set up. The CoE was also tasked with developing this relationship further. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) was thanked for funding the purchase of a new high-throughput DNA Sequencer suitable for whole genome sequencing. Consistent with CTHB philosophy, this equipment has been placed at Inqaba Biotech, the first molecular biotechnology company in South Africa. This is a key piece of equipment that will enable South African researchers to be in the front line of genomics research and is also very closely aligned with the activities of the CTHB.
· The Board congratulated the CTHB on their outreach activities during 2006. These included University of Pretoria’s "UP with Science" programme and active participation in the SASOL Scifest in early 2007. Furthermore, and as noted elsewhere in this document, the CTHB has supported the MPEPU Rural Youth Empowerment (MRYE) outreach programme for a second year, assisting in spreading an understanding of CTHB goals to disadvantaged pupils and schools in rural areas..
· The research progress of the six post-doctoral fellows, eleven PhD’s and fourteen Masters students working in the programme was highlighted and the CTHB was congratulated on the research outputs. Two highlights for FABI in 2006/2007 were the winning of the THRIP award for the best institution producing post-graduate students and publications in 2006, and in 2007 being a runner-up to Winetech in the NSTF awards competition.
After a most successful meeting the Board members joined overseas delegates to the TPCP/CTHB Annual Research Symposium, for dinner in FABI Square.
