The University of the Free State (UFS) will host the 59th South African Society of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (SASBCP) Conference from 7 to 9 September, bringing together experts from South Africa and abroad to discuss advances in pharmacology and integrative medicine.
The event will be hosted by the university’s African Medicines Innovations and Technologies Development (AMITD) platform and the Department of Pharmacology in the School of Clinical Medicine. The conference will focus on the theme, Inclusivity, Innovation, and Internationalisation for Integrative Medicine Pharmacology at the Forefront. Discussions will centre on collaboration, new pharmacology research, and the integration of traditional medicine into healthcare systems.
Prof Motlalepula Matsabisa, Research Director of AMITD and conference host, said the event remains an important platform for advancing research and building partnerships.
He said the conference has attracted pharmacologists, leading scientists, clinicians, students, researchers, policymakers, medicine regulators, and industry professionals involved in health research and traditional medicine. Between 150 and 200 local and international delegates are expected to attend.
“Thus far the international participants that have confirmed attendance come from Chile, Brazil, Bolivia, Jamaica, Cuba, Germany, Italy, China, India, Cameroon, Uganda, Ghana, Botswana, New Zealand, Nigeria, Lesotho and Tanzania. The interest is still being expressed, and we foresee more people applying as our conference website has now been launched and is live,” said Matsabisa.
Matsabisa said the conference will promote the exchange of knowledge on pharmacology research while exploring how traditional medicine can be integrated into formal healthcare systems.
“My message to the conference participants is that Bloemfontein is a place to find collaborative and progressive health initiatives. We are not just at the centre of South Africa, but we are the centre for innovations in health research and its application. We are the preferred institution for government, funders, communities and researchers in pharmacology and traditional medicines, and for the applied research that has an impact on society, formal economies and policy,” Matsabisa said.
Compiled by Sibongile Selomane
