SASBi - South African Society for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Written by Heinrich VolschenkLetter from the President of the newly established South African Society for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (SASBi)
"Dear Colleague
It is my great pleasure to introduce to you the newly established South African Society for Bioinformatics (SASBi). The Society’s first AGM was held during the “Joint Conference of South African Genetics & Bioinformatics Societies: The Data-mining Revolution” in Stellenbosch on 11 September 2012.
We are at the door of a promising future for bioinformatics in South Africa. Bioinformatics is accelerating and gaining momentum throughout the world due to the flood of biological data that needs to be analysed, and which can lead to exciting breakthroughs.
Bioinformatics is interdisciplinary. Thus, our aim includes establishing links and promoting cooperation between the Society and related societies in South Africa and throughout the world. SASBi, as a voice for the bioinformatics community in the country, would like to enhance interactions among people related to bioinformatics.
The Council comprises:
- President: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (RU)
- Vice President: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (UWC)
- Secretary: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (UP)
- Treasurer: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (UP)
- Conferences: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (SUN)
- Public Relations: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.(UCT)
- Web-master: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.(UP)
For further information, please see our web page (http://www.bioinformatics.org.za/), even though it is still under development."
The original letter can be downloaded (see attached pdf file)
Prof Doug Rawlings - A world leader on the use of microorganisms in biomining activities
Written by Heinrich VolschenkOver the past 30 years, he has made internationally recognised contributions to the field of molecular biology about microorganisms that can be used in biomining practices. He has been evaluated as an A-rated scientist by the National Research Foundation since 1992. It is the highest ranking that a South African scientist can receive, and recognises the person as an international leader in his or her specific field. In 2011 he was also rewarded the SASM Gold Medal for exceptional service to Microbiology over an extended period of time.
We asked Prof Rawlings some key questions about his career as a microbiologist.
After what felt like an indefinite delay, the new SASM Blog is finally live! Our members have been asking for it, and it now is finally here. We are planning great things for the blog as a communication channel with all registered SASM members. Look out for some informative articles on the latest local and global microbiology news, interviews and events. SASM also now has a presence on the major social media sites, including Twitter, Facebook and Google+.