Government unveils new research laboratory

589 08.05.2015 Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor and Amanda Skepu research leader Biolebells at the officially opening the ISO 5 cleanroom and Biosafety level 3 facilities and rapid diagnostic device manufacturing and testing centre at MINTEK, Randburg, Johannesburg. Picture: Motshwari Mofokeng

589 08.05.2015 Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor and Amanda Skepu research leader Biolebells at the officially opening the ISO 5 cleanroom and Biosafety level 3 facilities and rapid diagnostic device manufacturing and testing centre at MINTEK, Randburg, Johannesburg. Picture: Motshwari Mofokeng

Published Apr 13, 2015

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Johannesburg – Minerals research group Mintek and the Department of Science and Technology yesterday opened a new laboratory that can be used to create devices to easily diagnose diseases such as malaria and HIV/Aids.

The clean-room facility, which the department funded to the tune of about R29 million, allows researchers to control moisture, temperature, pressure and particles in the laboratory.

In this super-clean environment, scientists can use nanotechnology to develop diagnostic devices with minimal contamination.

“Is it made of nano materials?” Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor joked as she unveiled the plaque outside the laboratory in Mintek’s Nanotechnology Innovation Centre in Randburg.

Pandor then joined Mintek scientists in touring the new facility.

In a ceremony before the unveiling, Pandor spoke about the importance of using science and technology to tackle poverty-related diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/Aids that affect South Africa and the rest of the continent.

She said the laboratory was a forward stride in South African research, adding that she wanted to invest more in science and technology so that young scientists stay here.

“We want to create the infrastructure to absorb our talent,” Pandor pointed out.

The Star

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