WHAT IS
DIPLOMICS?
DIPLOMICS (DIstributed PLatform in OMICS) is one of 13 Research Infrastructures established by the Department of Science and Innovation through its South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR). The Centre for Proteomic & Genomic Research, a TIA Technology Platform, hosts DIPLOMICS at our new facility at 108 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town.
Our objectives are to enable and strengthen Omics capacity, improve the quality of research and increase access to Omics technology and expertise. We do this by supporting research infrastructure resources, launching high-impact, high-visibility projects, implementing intensive human capital development programmes, and improving awareness and visibility of the Omics community.
What does DIPLOMICS do?
Omics scientists use sophisticated and costly instruments. DIPLOMICS supports our partner laboratories by deploying the latest equipment, working with industry to provide comprehensive maintenance and service contracts, and installing laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
Since 2017, we have invested R96.4m in Lab Infrastructure Support.
Laboratory Infrastructure
Support
Omics technologies require skilled scientists and technicians. DIPLOMICS supports advanced training in operating and maintaining Omics instruments and in data analysis by providing access to specialised courses and workshops.
We fund training for lab technicians on instruments, bioinformatics, new technologies and software. We also support training for students, researchers, and scientists beyond the network, especially in PDI institutions.
Since 2017, we have invested R9.1m in training.
Advanced Training for Technicians
DIPLOMICS is a central portal for access to information on Omics resources and opportunities and supports Omics policymakers, practitioners and end-users. DIPLOMICS gathers information and data that enables stakeholders to identify key areas for intervention. For example:
• Provide a bird’s eye view of the Omics industry
• Avoid instrument redundancy
• Improve accessibility to students and researchers
• Study and assess socioeconomic impacts
• Organise and streamline the South African Omics market
• Minimise the ‘monopoly effect’ of Omics suppliers in South Africa
• Understand global trends in Omics research
Information & Intelligence
Meet The DIPLOMICS Team
Meet The
DIPLOMICS Advisory Groups
At the core of the DIPLOMICS network are three advisory committees (ACs - formerly Working Groups) representing the domains of genomics, proteomics & metabolomics, and bioinformatics.
The structure of the ACs includes senior, experienced scientists from academia, science councils and private enterprises, all of whom volunteer their time and work closely with DIPLOMICS management, which consists of a director, coordinators and domain experts, and outsourced specialists in media, marketing and communications.
As experts in their fields, the ACs provide vital information on infrastructure gaps and potential solutions. We collectively develop initiatives for buying and deploying specialized instruments, training programs for technicians, service and maintenance contracts, and showcasing new technologies.
The ACs provide insights on activities (e.g. current market demands), trends and future opportunities in Omics and the challenges they face in competing in a global Omics marketplace, such as pricing, perception of quality and turnaround time.
Genomics
Tulio de Olivera
KRISP & Chair
Farai Muchadeyi
ARC
Carel van Heerden
CAF
Craig Kinnear
SAMRC
Renée Prins
CENGEN
Judith Hornby
CPGR
Proteomics & Metabolomics
Jonathan Blackburn
UCT & Chair
Stoyan Stoychev
CSIR
Liam Bell
CPGR & Coordinator
Previn Naicker
CSIR & Coordinator
Chris Vorster
NWU
Bioinformatics
Nicky Mulder
UCT & Chair
Scott Hazelhurst
WITS
Eduan Wilkinson
KRISP
Patrick Charls
MRC
GOVERNANCE & ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
DIPLOMICS is one of thirteen Research Infrastructures of the Department of Science and Innovation’s SARIR program.
The CPGR hosts DIPLOMICS and is responsible for governing and managing the programme.
