Since 2018, CenGen has proudly been a member of DIPLOMICS, an initiative led by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). DIPLOMICS is dedicated to advancing South Africa’s position in ‘omics’-based translational research and bio-economic development. As a crucial component of the Department’s SARIR (South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap) program, this initiative is tailored for enduring impact. Through supporting research infrastructure resources, launching high-impact, high-visibility projects, implementing intensive human capital development programs, and raising awareness, DIPLOMICS significantly enhances CenGen’s efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector in South Africa.
Current DIPLOMICS Initiatives
- The Veldkos | Field Food DNA Project
- CenGen-1KSA program: Contributions for 2024
- geneTeachers and geneLearners (Workshops 11 -19)
- Establish capacity in plant genome sequencing and associated bioinformatics analyses for indigenous species and agricultural crops: Phase 2 – Genome polishing
- Identify and optimise DNA extraction methods for long-read sequencing of indigenous South African field food (veldkos) plants
Completed DIPLOMICS Initiatives
- Building and maintaining a World-Class High-Throughput Plant/Crop Genomics Infrastructure
- Expand training capacity infrastructure in the CenGen/DIPLOMICS training lab to include gHMW DNA extractions and NGS activities
- geneTeachers and geneLearners (Workshops 1 -10)
- Improving a new Training facility for improved public OMICS education
- Step-change in Training Capacity: Establishing a new training facility for improved public OMICS education
- Establish capacity in plant genome sequencing and associated bioinformatics analyses for indigenous species and agricultural crop
- Purchase of refrigerated centrifuge for large-scale DNA extraction
- Seed-based genotyping as a tool for modern plant breeding
- Purchase of auxiliary equipment to support micro-satellite marker analysis
