Two NRF-funded MSc projects are available in the University of Free State’s Research Chair in Pathogenic Yeast, under the supervision of Dr Olihile Sebolai.

Climate-induced coral bleaching is considered an existential threat to coral reefs globally and is exacerbated by other stressors, including coral diseases. Some corals are more resistant to bleaching than others, for reasons that include genetic variability among colonies, species and locations or gene expression. An evolutionary perspective is therefore integral to understanding resilience in corals. The ability of corals to resist bleaching and disease is additionally dependent on maintaining a healthy microbiome (assemblage of microorganisms, including algae, other protists, bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses). While the importance of endosymbiotic microbes in coral health is well known, the effect of temperature on coral-associated bacterial diversity is not fully understood. The many interactions between the coral animal and all its symbionts provide many opportunities for adaptation to changing environments and there is some evidence that corals may adapt to climate change. However, it is recognised that they are unlikely to naturally adapt fast enough to avoid catastrophic loss of species and populations. 

Identifying novel DNA modifying enzymes by functional metagenomics

The SASM Council is pleased to announce the outcome of the SASM Travel Awards for the SASM Conference 2018.

 In the Honours category, the awardees are:

• Jacobus Brink (UFS)
• Shakier Samie (US)

In the Master's category, the awardees are:

• M du Plooy (UFS)
• C. Jacobs (UKZN)
• T. Clements (US)
• O. Biko (US)
• N. Kennedy (UFS)

In the PhD category, the awardees are:

• K. Dithebe (UFS)
• M. King (UWC)
• R. Govender (DUT)
• L. Madu (UFS)
• E. Kgotle (UFS)

The SASM Council will like to congratulate all awardees and wish them a productive time at the SASM Conference.

Regards

Hafizah

From 1 April 2018

The Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM) is a leading research unit based within the Department of Biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The Institute is a global competitor in microbial biotechnology and metagenomics and is committed to excellence in research and the training of future research leaders. Its research encompasses a number of disciplines including microbiology, (meta)genomics, molecular biology, enzymology and bioinformatics, and employs culture-based approaches as well as cutting edge ”omics” strategies to study microbiomes, and identify novel biosynthetic gene clusters and metabolites. The Institute focuses on the research and development of novel, high-value natural products for the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, food & beverage and agricultural industries, as well as products for industrial processes.

Project Title: Regional microbial signatures in South African and Austrian vineyards

Scope of Research: The project is focused on understanding vineyard microbial ecosystems, in particular the influence of region of origin on the mycobiota of grapes. The postdoctoral candidate will have the opportunity to work on individual research as well as to work within a team (doctoral, masters and Hons level students), and in addition, to gain experience in supervision.

Dear SASM member

The South African Society for Microbiology wishes to honour outstanding South African microbiologists who have contributed to significantly to the discipline, both nationally and internationally.