National Biotechnology Advisory Committee (NBAC)
Mandate:
As a subcommittee of National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI), the National Biotechnology Advisory Committee (NBAC) assists NACI in its role of providing advice to the Minister of Science and Technology, in particular with regard to matters pertaining to biotechnology. More specifically, the NBAC has been tasked with:
- Rendering advice on biotechnology in South Africa recognizing Government’s investment in developing the bio-economy;
- Providing strategic interpretation and advice on the overall development of the South African biotechnology sector;
- Providing strategic advice on national biotechnology research and development priorities, innovation opportunities and gaps to ensure a functioning and growing pipeline of biotechnology innovations related intellectual property that can be used enhance the quality of life of South Africans and achieve economic growth;
- Considering and recommending improvements to existing strategies to grow financial resources, human capital and infrastructure for the benefit of the sector;
- Providing strategic advice to increase the impact and efficiency of the National Biotechnology Strategy and any subsequent published strategies and implementation plans; and
- Monitoring and advising on issues pertaining to bioethics
Background:
The National Biotechnology Advisory Committee (NBAC) was launched as a sub-committee of the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) at a workshop in Pretoria on 30 November 2006. The formation of a committee to advise the Minister of Science and Technology on an appropriate course for biotechnology in South Africa was one of the recommendations of the National Biotechnology Strategy, approved in 2001.
Members:
| Name | Position | Organisation |
|---|
| Prof Jennifer Thomson | Professor: Molecular and Cell Biology | Department of Molecular and Cell Biology University of Cape Town |
| Dr Ntuthuko Bhengu | Executive: Provider Networks | Qualsa Healthcare |
| Dr Gatsha Mazithulela | Executive Director | CSIR Biosciences |
| Prof Solly Benatar | Professor of Research Ethics and Global Bioethics | Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town |
| Prof Mbudzeni Sibara | Deputy Vice Chancellor & Professor of Biotechnology, Virology and Plant Pathology | Tshwane University of Technology |
| Dr Heather Sherwin | Fund Manager | BioVentures |
| Prof Henk Huismans | Professor & Head of Department | Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria |
| Prof Sagadevan Mundree | General Manager: Innovation and Biosecurity Investment Industry Development | Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries |
| Prof Michael Pepper | Director | CareNet Institute of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Unitas Hospital |
| Prof Jocelyn Webster | Executive Director | AfricaBio |
| Dr Ivan May | CEO | Intellectual Capital Corporation of Africa and 1485am Radio Today |
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