Speaker
Description
The study of the structure of biological entities ranging from macromolecules to cells, which underpins most of biophysics, is called Integrated Structural Biology. The field continues to play a key role, not only in biological discovery but also in innovation and technology. Work in the field requires equipment that is specialized and highly developed. The operation and maintenance of such equipment depends on trained and experienced people. The Europeans have found that an effective model, that gives the wider community access to this equipment, is to create facilities to house and operate it. Scientists from member countries can access the equipment, both to learn how to use it and to conduct their own research. The coordination of this process is done through an entity called a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), which is funded through subscriptions from the member states. Instruct-ERIC (https://instruct-eric.org/), concerned with Integrated Structural Biology, is currently seeking to expand its footprint by recruiting participation from non-European organizations. Entry-level, cost-free participation involves the signing of an MOU with Instruct, which entitles staff of the affiliate organization to respond to certain funding calls, which will fund the use of the facilities and expertise. At present, the only organization in Africa with such an MOU in place is the University of Cape Town (UCT). UCT is seeking funding from Horizon to increase its level of involvement. Part of the obligation will be to increase national awareness of Instruct-ERIC with the ultimate goal of South Africa becoming a full member. A video introducing the services of Instruct- ERIC is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HNwReIQDnhc?si=oYtDz0AXhQqqS1Gt
