The 32nd Session of the ICGEB Board of Governors a Resounding Success
After a successful 32nd Session of the ICGEB Board of Governors hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), together with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Cape Town earlier this year, the Board of Governors concluded that the 33rd session will be held in Trieste, Italy, on 18 and 19 May 2027.
Established in 1983 as a project of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the ICGEB is a leading intergovernmental organisation dedicated to research, training and technology transfer in the fields of life sciences and biotechnology.
Addressing the delegates during the opening session, Deputy Director-General for International Cooperation and Resources at the DSTI, Mr Daan du Toit, welcomed delegates on behalf of Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, and Director-General Dr Mlungisi Cele.
"It was important for them to ask me to be here and emphasise to you South Africa's deep appreciation of our relationship with ICGEB and specifically to commit to you as a Board of Governors our commitment to this partnership," said Du Toit.
He highlighted South Africa's longstanding partnership with the ICGEB and the strategic importance of the Cape Town component.
"When we decided 20 years ago to propose hosting the component in Africa, it was very much part of our commitment to the African agenda in science, technology and innovation," he said.
Du Toit further praised ICGEB's contribution to strengthening scientific capability across Africa and responding to global challenges.
"Whether it is pandemic disease, food security or climate change, the way ICGEB mobilises scientific expertise and capabilities across a whole range of disciplines corresponds with South Africa's vision," he added.
President of the ICGEB Board, Dr Jelena Begović, described the gathering as more than a formal meeting.
"For all of us these meetings are more than formal gatherings. Over the decades, the Board has become a community of people who work together and share a common belief in the importance of science and international cooperation. This spirit is something very special and something that we all should be proud of," said Dr Begović.
Welcoming countries exploring membership of the organisation, she said their presence is very important because it shows that even in a world that often appears increasingly fragmented, there is still a strong desire to connect through knowledge, collaboration and shared progress.
Dr Begović emphasised the critical role of science in addressing global challenges amid geopolitical instability, technological disruption and economic uncertainty.
"Science remains one of the few truly universal platforms for cooperation and for progress. Organisations like ICGEB matter more than ever. What makes ICGEB unique is not only scientific excellence but also the idea that advanced science should not belong only to a small number of countries," she said.
Dr Ananika Gambir, member of the ICGEB Board of Governors and an Advisor at the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology in India, highlighted ICGEB's scientific achievements and contributions to addressing global challenges.
"ICGEB has evolved into a vibrant centre of excellence making important contributions in molecular medicine, industrial biotechnology and translational research, while continuing to address critical global challenges related to health, food security, environmental sustainability and the development of a robust bioeconomy," said Dr Gambir.
She also indicated that India launched the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy 2024. "The objective is to foster high-performance, sustainable biomanufacturing. It shifts the focus from traditional lab-scale research to commercial-scale production, integrating biotechnology, engineering and artificial intelligence to create a cleaner, greener and self-reliant economy," said Dr Gambir.
She added that through the formulation of this policy India learnt a lot of experience which it is willing to share with any member that is interested.
Providing highlights from the 2025 ICGEB Annual Report, Director-General of the ICGEB, Dr Lawrence Banks, said the organisation continues to expand its footprint on the African continent.
"When ICGEB Cape Town started, we only had 12 African countries. That number has now grown to 24 African member states in 2026," he said. Dr Banks noted that Botswana, Ghana, Mozambique, Togo and Uganda have expressed interest in becoming members of the ICGEB.
ICGEB currently has 69 member states, including its three host countries, Italy, India and South Africa.
Highlighting the organisation's impact in Africa between 2007 and 2026, Dr Banks said ICGEB had supported 3 487 African participants in meetings and courses, awarded 350 fellowships to Africans, funded 110 African Collaborative Research Programme grants, hosted 74 meetings and courses across Africa, and reached 5 000 outreach participants.
He also outlined the organisation's research focus areas. "Non-communicable diseases are becoming even more pressing. We have major research activities in cardiovascular research, neurodegeneration and cancer, while continuing our strong work in infectious diseases, medical biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, renewable energy and plant biotechnology," he said.
Issued by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
For more information, please contact:
ICGEB Communications Office: Suzanne Kerbavcic
Email: press@icgeb.org; suzanne.kerbavcic@icgeb.org
Tel: +39-3405971692
Website: www.icgeb.org
DSTI: Julian Leshilo-Sebake
Email: Julian.Leshilo@dsti.gov.za
Tel: +27 60 961 2194
