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By Lungile Ntimba
A groundbreaking Centre for Advanced Training and Innovative Research (CATIR), which is aimed at strengthening South Africa’s scientific capacity and equipping young researchers with advanced skills, was launched in Pretoria.
The new facility will function as a specialised training hub, offering practical, hands-on experience in advanced molecular techniques and laboratory management, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world scientific application.
Once fully operational, CATIR will have the capacity to train up to 160 students annually, with courses lasting five weeks. The first cohort of 20 students is expected to complete training before the end of the year.
The centre was established through a collaborative partnership involving the Science, Technology and Innovation Department, the SA Medical Research Council and Thermo Fisher Scientific, a United States-based company specialising in clinical and life sciences research.
Speaking at the launch, Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina said the centre was an important milestone in the country’s journey towards a knowledge-based economy.
“By investing in this centre, we are investing in the future of South African science, empowering our researchers, nurturing young talent and fostering an environment where innovation can thrive,” said Gina.
“This launch is especially significant as it aligns with our Decadal Plan 2022–2032, which aims to build a transformed, inclusive and coherent National System of Innovation that responds to the needs of society and the economy.”
Gina said SAMRC was a trusted project management partner, citing its proven track record in implementing capacity-building programmes that have benefited young scientists from historically under-resourced universities, including Zululand, Limpopo, Venda and Walter Sisulu.
SAMRC president and CEO Ntobeko Ntusi underscored the importance of investing in infrastructure and expertise that would assist in addressing local gaps in critical scientific fields.
“The Covid-19 pandemic taught us that we needed to do more to build skills in clinical and molecular testing to improve the resilience of our health system against the diseases of today and tomorrow.
“The opening of this important new educational facility is a landmark moment in our journey to achieving this important goal,” said Ntusi.
The president of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Urmi Prasad Richardson, highlighted the significance of public-private collaboration in strengthening health systems.
“The opening of the CATIR demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships in helping to build a more resilient health system in South Africa and underpins our mission to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer,” she said.
“Alongside the SAMRC, we are proud to be investing our time, resources and knowledge into this important new facility, to meet our shared goal of building locally relevant capabilities and expertise amongst the next generation of South Africa’s scientists.”
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