IMBM Biobank Helps Young Biotechnology Researcher Pursue His Dreams

For biotechnology student Osorachukwu Brian Anugwom, the decision to join the Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM) as a Research Affiliate was an easy one. He eagerly embraced the opportunity to work with some of South Africa’s most experienced microbial researchers and equipment he’d never had exposure to, to develop his microbiology skills and contribute to project objectives and outputs. 

Born in Nigeria and raised in Belhar, Cape Town, Brian completed his BSc (Hons) degree in Biotechnology from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in 2023, and shortly after accepted an opportunity as Research Affiliate at the Biobank. 

The IMBM is recognised as one of the leading research units at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), is considered a global competitor in microbial biotechnology and metagenomics, and has state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Brian’s work formed part of the DIPLOMICS 1KSA project, which aims to sequence 1000 genomes of species unique to South Africa, thereby generating a treasure trove of genetic information that would hold the key to understanding the incredible diversity of life in South Africa.

University of the Western Cape graduate Osorachukwu Brian Anugwom is on a mission to further his biotech career – by working and studying at the Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics.

Brian believes that his decision to take up the position at IMBM allowed him to develop vital skills that might have eluded him had he hastily jumped into a Master’s programme.

He has recently moved on to another project involving protein expression and purification, and he remains confident that his new role will help him achieve his primary goal of gaining insight into various fields of biotechnology and acquiring essential skills to expand his skillset as a scientist.

Brian has always had the desire to study further, but feels his time at the IMBM has furthered this goal in ways he could not have anticipated. Now, he’s more ready than ever to continue his education – he plans to register for a Master’s in 2026…at the IMBM, naturally.

“The most important thing is to never give up on the desire to study further, if that is the path you wish to take,” he says. “It is normal to feel overwhelmed, but if you have secured such an opportunity as I have, the best thing to do is to give it your all and take advantage of the new learning experience to broaden your technical skills set and enhance your experience.” 

Want to learn more about Anugwom’s journey as a researcher, what it took to get there, and where he’s going from here? Just read the full story, as told at his recent graduation: https://www.uwc.ac.za/news-and-announcements/news/from-classroom-to-cutting-edge-lab-a-uwc-graduates-biotech-journey 

Building A Better Biotech Future

The IMBM biobank forms one of the seven core biobanks of the Biodiversity Biobanks South Africa (BBSA). The Institute hosts a collection of about 4000 bacterial strains from a wide range of South African indigenous environments, including marine bacteria from the South African coastline, medicinal fynbos, and extreme environments. 

As a microbial biobank with specialised and dedicated equipment, entries that meet international biobanking standards and an information-rich database, the biobank doesn’t only produce cutting-edge researchers – it also helps to produce the next generation of cutting-edge researchers.

“As part of a higher education institution, the IMBM has a responsibility to develop the necessary capacity to transform South Africa’s economy to a knowledge-based economy,” as Dr Anita Burger, IMBM Research and Innovation Manager, notes. 

“The training includes the development of an understanding of the country’s biodiversity potential, which in turn, will encourage researchers to consider the impact of their contributions on the South African bioeconomy goals.”

Find out more about the IMBM’s capacity-building efforts, and how the Institute is helping to build a new generation of biotech experts here.  Or why not watch IMBM researchers in action here? 

And if you’re interested in joining, working with, or just learning about the IMBM, just visit their website.