College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
Unisa hosts the 39th International Society of Animal Genetics Conference for the first time on the African continent
More than 595 delegates from all over the world attended the 39th ISAG conference in Cape Town
The University of South Africa, through its College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES), became the first African university to host the 39th International Society of Animal Genetics Conference at the Cape Town Convention Centre from 2 to 7 July 2023. This august and prestigious event attracted more than 595 international geneticists who exchanged and shared their scientific knowledge under the theme "Animal genomics for sustainable futures".
The proceedings for the conference started on 2 July 2023 with introductory remarks by the president of the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG), Prof Clare Gill, Professor of Animal Genomics at Texas A & M University and a member of the interdisciplinary programs in Genetics and Biotechnology; and the welcome address by Unisa's Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula.
In her welcome and opening address, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Unisa, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, appreciated Prof Clare Gill (president of ISAG) and Prof Ntanganedzeni Mapholi, the Acting Deputy Dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences who is also the chairperson of the ISAG regional organising team, for ensuring that the 39th ISAG Conference takes place on the African continent. Expressing her delight, she said: "This is truly exciting, and we are grateful that you have chosen Unisa as a co-host which is not only a cradle of university systems in South Africa but also the largest university in the continent with its students coming from over 130 (hundred and thirty) countries across the world." At the end of her address, Prof LenkaBula reminded the delegates that while science is important, it cannot exist for its own sake; it must have a utilitarian value that responds to the challenges of society, its economic systems, social systems, and its interface with society and the future. She further implored the delegates to look at the current climate change challenges as an invitation to think how the intersection of the varied disciplines can be a resource for communities.
The Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Unisa, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, giving the welcome address |
Prof Clare Gill making opening remarks at the onset of the conference |
To set the scene, the two plenary lectures were presented by Prof Michele Ramsay of the University of Witwatersrand, who spoke on the topic "Understanding African Health through Genetic Diversity". She was followed by Prof Appolinaire Djikeng of the International Livestock Research Institute in Kenya, who addressed the topic "Experiences in Genomic Selection for Improved Animal Health and Adaptability in Africa". These two presentations, which underscored the importance of genomics as a basis for precision medicine and unlocking Africa’s livestock production, were found to be thought provoking and a fitting contribution leading towards the development of workable solutions towards the delivery of quality health and food sustainability in the future.
Prof A Djikeng, CEO of the International Livestock Research Institute in Kenya |
Dr Nompumelelo Obokoh, CEO of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) |
Cape Town Minstrel Carnival dancers entertaining the ISAG delegates
The programme for the welcome reception event on the evening of 2 July 2023 was directed by the CEO of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), Dr Nompumelelo Obokoh. The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande, was represent by Dr Mboneni Muofhe who gave a welcome reception speech. The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) was represented by its CEO, Dr Litha Magingxa. The welcome reception was sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). The proceedings were serenaded by the smaller version of the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival dance.
Indeed, the 39th ISAG conference was a resounding success that demonstrated Unisa's capabilities in playing a leading role in the scientific agenda within the continent and beyond. As CAES we are truly indebted to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of our university, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, together with theVice-Principal: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation, Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa, for their unwavering support in ensuring that the conference is realised as planned. Prof Ntanganedzeni Mapholi and her team in the Department of Agriculture and Animal Health accorded themselves with distinction in delivering a world-class conference.
CAES staff members who attended the ISAG conference |
Prof Puleng LenkaBula and Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa |
Poster session |
Poster session |
Conference delegates |
Conference delegates |
Stakeholder engagement |
Unisa's Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula |
* Article by Prof S Magano, Acting VP : Institutional Development and photographs by Given Maluleka
Publish date: 2023/07/06
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