BIOGRIP celebrates its national launch at the University of the Free State

The Biogeochemistry Research Infrastructure Platform (BIOGRIP) held its national launch at the University of the Free State (UFS) on 31 October 2024. The event was attended by the platform’s leadership and esteemed UFS colleagues, as well as delegates from Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).

BIOGRIP Director Dr Roger Diamond welcomed guests and acted as master of ceremonies. Key addresses were given by Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal of UFS Professor Anthea Rhoda, and Deputy Director General at the DSI Imraan Patel.

Research managers from the Atmosphere, Isotope, Mineral, and Water and Soil nodes at BIOGRIP gave short overviews of their operations at each university. This was followed by brief technical talks giving a deeper dive into the research currently being carried out.

After the formal proceedings, lunchtime lab tours were conducted of the UFS Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry (CMBG), which was recently expanded and renovated with funding support from BIOGRIP.

A short field visit to the Modder River in the afternoon ended the official proceedings and set the mood for a casual evening braai. This was well attended and featured further networking, with suitable refreshments in hand, enabling boundaries to be crossed between students, staff and institutions, with the DSI sponsors every bit as involved.

Many attendees had never been to Bloemfontein. After this visit, they not only saw how excellent the CMBG and other UFS facilities were, but also tasted the warm hospitality of the Free State.