Among the plants:  Dr Meyers, Prof Rybicki and Dr Hitzeroth

Professor Ed Rybicki of the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology and Director of the Biopharming Research Unit (BRU), received the first Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Achievement in Innovation at an Innovation Evening function on 7th May.  At this event, Professor Rybicki received three Certificates of Recognition for South African patents from the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO).  Together with BRU Deputy Director Dr Inga Hitzeroth, he also received Patent Certificates from the South African Patent Office for two patents awarded to the BRU.

The BRU was awarded funding in 2015 for a three year project on novel plant-produced vaccines for African horse sickness and blue tongue viruses, by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).  They also received funding for a one-year project on reagent production in plants by the National Department of Science and Technology and TIA Seed funding for development of plant-made reagents.  

The unit also featured in an episode of SABC 3's "50-50" devoted to biofarming.  View clip here