The FABI mentorship programme continues its impressive trajectory, officially kicking off the 2026 cycle with a record-breaking 40 undergraduate students and 40 mentors. This initiative, which pairs high-achieving undergraduates with MSc, PhD, and Postdoctoral fellows, remains a cornerstone of FABI’s commitment to developing the next generation of world-class scientists. Under the leadership of Dr Markus Wilken and supported by Melandré van Lill, Alida van Dijk, Kayla Thomas, and Dr Juanita Avontuur, the programme offers students hands-on laboratory experience and the opportunity to master specialised techniques that will prove invaluable in their future postgraduate studies.

The welcoming event was a high-energy affair that traded a traditional orientation for a more interactive experience. To foster immediate connections, the organisers sent the new intake on a lively scavenger hunt. The students were tasked with navigating the FABI grounds to "hunt" down their respective mentors, turning the introduction into a spirited afternoon of networking and discovery. This year’s cohort represents a vibrant cross-section of the biological sciences, drawing talent from the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, and the Department of Zoology and Entomology.

In his welcoming address, FABI Director Prof. Bernard Slippers expressed his gratitude to the FABIans who volunteered their time, emphasizing that the programme is a mutual learning journey for both mentors and mentees. He noted that while technology continues to evolve rapidly, the human element of guidance and support remains irreplaceable. Prof. Slippers reminded the students that having a guide on one's academic journey is essential, concluding that "AI can never replace mentorship."

We wish all the mentees and mentors all the best for the exciting year ahead!