On March 27th, the University of Fort Hare’s (UFH) Patho-Biocatalysis Group (PBG) and the Infectious Diseases and Medicinal Plants Research Niche Area (IDMP-RNA) unveiled new state-of-the-art equipment. This was generously provided by the Distributors Platform and Omics (DIPLOMICS), a research infrastructure initiative from the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology.
DIPLOMICS aims to build world-class omics infrastructure and work with partner labs across South Africa. The goal is to give students and researchers broader access to these resources.
The equipment includes a Qubit fluorometer, a Nanodrop spectrophotometer, a thermocycler, an electrophoretic system, cold cabinets with varying temperature ranges, and several other tools essential for molecular biology studies and gene sequencing.
Enhancing Molecular Biology and Genomics Research
These critical laboratory tools will significantly enhance molecular biology and genomics research under the leadership of Professor Uchechukwu Nwodo, leader of PBG and IDMP-RNA.
DIPLOMICS also provided essential research consumables to ensure the smooth launch of experimental workflows. This enables researchers and postgraduate students to advance genetic and molecular biology research.
DIPLOMICS’ commitment to scientific inquiry strengthens research infrastructure and fosters innovation in genomics, said Prof. Nwodo.
“The Qubit and Nanodrop instruments provide unmatched DNA, RNA, and protein quantification accuracy, ensuring reliable and reproducible results. The thermocycler, key to PCR technology, enables precise DNA amplification for genetic studies, disease diagnostics, and forensic analysis. These tools improve research quality and allow scientists to conduct complex studies more efficiently.”
Prof. Nwodo also acquired a multi-million-rand gene sequencer, a milestone for the lab’s capacity for high-throughput molecular analyses, especially gene sequencing.
Invaluable Support
“We are deeply grateful to DIPLOMICS for this invaluable support, which greatly enhances our research and scientific output. DIPLOMICS is committed to driving scientific progress and capacity-building within the research community.
“This support will benefit current research and equip the next generation of scientists with the tools and skills for groundbreaking discoveries. As our lab explores new avenues of genetic and molecular research, we are confident that our partnership with DIPLOMICS will lead to impactful advancements in genomics and biotechnology, contributing to scientific excellence and societal well-being,” said Prof. Nwodo.
Click here to watch a brief highlights video.