Biodiversity Biobanks
MEET THE MEMBERS
MEET THE MEMBERS
The Biodiversity Biobanks of South Africa is made up of biodiversity biobank researchers who can be found all over South Africa – on university campuses, in dedicated research facilities and even at national parks, handling samples from bacteria, plants, fungi and rhinos (and more). Here are some of those intrepid scientific adventurers.
Young Biobanking Superstars: We Want YOU
Call For Stories: Youth Month 2026 - Young Biobanking Superstars In June, South Africa will celebrate Youth Month - a very special time for this country, and for all of us. It’s been 50 years ...
Biobanking News: New Curatorial Appointments at the Durban Natural Science Museum
Biobanking News: New Curatorial Appointments at the Durban Natural Science Museum The Durban Natural Science Museum (DNSM) is delighted to welcome two new curators to its Collections and Research team: Dr Dina Fagir, Curator of ...
Young Biobanking Superstars: We Want YOU For Youth Month 2025
Call For Stories: Youth Month 2025 - Young Biobanking Superstars In June, South Africa will celebrate Youth Month - a very special time for this country, and for all of us. It’s been nearly 50 ...
IMBM Biobank Helps Young Biotechnology Researcher Pursue His Dreams
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. ...
IMBM Microbial Biobank Provides Training Opportunities For The Next Generation of Microbial Biotechnologists
IMBM Microbial Biobank Provides Training Opportunities For The Next Generation of Microbial Biotechnologists The Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM) is recognised as one of the leading research units at the University of the ...
Message From Michelle: A Change In Leadership
Michelle’s Message: A Change In Leadership After working for more than 30 years, including 15 years at SANBI, it’s time for me to hand over the reins to the next generation to lead the Biodiversity ...
Rekha Sathyan: What’s In Our Biodiversity Biobanks Anyway?
Rekha Sathyan: What's In Our Biodiversity Biobanks Anyway? Biobanks are essential to preserving South Africa’s vast biodiversity heritage. But to get the most out of them, we need to know what’s in them - and ...
Meet The Member: Khathu Neshunzhi – Learning To Love The (Wild)Life
Meet The Member: Khathu Neshunzhi – Learning To Love The (Wild)Life When he was young, Khathutshelo Neshunzhi (just call him Khathu) was given two important bits of advice. First, don’t ever stop learning and growing ...
Meet The Member: Gretha Snyman – The GOAT of Goat Biobanking
Meet The Member: Gretha Snyman - The GOAT of Goat Biobanking Gretha Snyman always knew she wanted to work with animals. Her guidance counselor told her she could breed them (as a farmer), kill them ...
Meet The Member: Riana Jacobs Venter – Finding the Fun in Fungi
Meet The Member: Riana Jacobs Venter - Finding the Fun in Fungi Fungi aren’t quite as famous as plants or animals. But they’re every bit as important - and every bit as interesting. Just ask ...
Meet The Member: Mpho Mohlakoana – A Plant For Every Ailment
Meet The Member: Mpho Mohlakoana - A Plant For Every Ailment There’s a story botanist Mpho Mohlakoana likes to tell - a story that encapsulates her passion for plants, and explains why she’s dedicated years ...
Meet The Member: Leana Freese – Collect First, Find Out Later
Meet The Member: Leana Freese - Collect First, Find Out Later Leana Rossouw Freese was born in Pretoria, the youngest of four siblings. She developed an interest in animals early on, and went on to ...
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What are biodiversity biobanks?
Biodiversity biobanks are repositories of biologically relevant resources, including reproductive tissues such as seeds, eggs and sperm, other tissues including blood, DNA extracts, microbial cultures (active and dormant), and environmental samples containing biological communities….
