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The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, has called on the International Centrefor Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) to help support the developing world using science.

The ICGEB is an international organisation dedicated to advanced research and training in molecular biology and biotechnology, with a special focus on the needs of the developing world.  It has three components, one in Italy, one in India, and the Cape Town component, which was established in 2007.

At present more than 400 people from 38 different countries are working at the centre's laboratories as research scientists, postdoctoral fellows and PhD students, focusing on diseases like HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and cancer.

Currently, its work towards controlling the spread of the Zika virus in the Americas and beyond is prominent. The virus has led to a marked increase in the number of babies born with abnormally small heads and brains.

Speaking at the centre's 22nd Board of Governors' meeting in Cape Town on 24 May, Minister Pandor said that the ICGEB needed to clearly define targets and measures that drive performance outcomes and outputs for the developing world.

"These performance metrics should not merely focus on scientific knowledge outputs in the developing world, but on priority assistance defined and required by the developing world to harness the outputs of science," said the Minister.

The Minister said biotechnology could play a key role in addressing many of the challenges facing Africa and the developing world. In addition, the continent was an ideal environment in which to establish new hubs of research.

"We do need to create the jobs here; we do need to develop the manufacturing capabilities here; and we do need to ensure the critical pandemic supplies are here," said the Minister, challenging the ICGEB Board of Governors to consider evolving its model.

"I believe it is possible for us to use our ICGEB to demonstrate to the membership – and to governments elsewhere ‑ that the ICGEB is a highly effective international organisation that cost-effectively assists and supports science-based priorities in the developing world," said the Minister.

Issued by Department of Science and Technology