IGNITE OUTREACH
NURTURING
CURIOUS YOUNG MINDS
DIPLOMICS Ignite is a national outreach initiative designed to spark curiosity, relevance, and opportunity in omics for South African youth. Building on the foundations of the Life Sciences curriculum, Ignite focuses on bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world application—particularly in the rapidly growing field of next-generation sequencing (NGS).
By showing learners how DNA science is used to solve real problems in health, agriculture, biodiversity, and the environment, the initiative aims to transform genetics from an abstract concept into a tangible and exciting career pathway.
IGNITE OUTREACH IN
PRACTICE
Gene
Learners
Teachers
Lab
Breede River Valley
DIPLOMICS supports the GeneLearners, GeneTeachers and GeneLab initiatives at CenGen, which reach Life Science & Agricultural Science learners.
Youth
outreach
FOR life
scienceS
Cape Town metropolitan
The DIPLOMICS training lab, in collaboration with Ikamva Youth, run an annual school outreach week at the 6 Ikamva Life Sciences learning centres.
Decode
the
future
of dna
Bloemfontein
UFS-NGS runs the annual ‘Decoding the Future: From DNA to Discovery’ initiative.
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eDNA
MARINE
SCIENCE
LEARNERS
Makhanda
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The Aquatics Genomics Research Platform at NRF-SAIAB does an eDNA outreach for Marine Science learners.
Future
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR OUR
youth
Pretoria
KRISP at UKZN runs learner outreaches in collaboration with Ikamva. A new outreach will be run at UP in 2026.
The practical work was amazing, thank you for the course. It was inspiring and very helpful for my directory for future studies.
Learner (Ignite Outreach Participant)
The part of the practical I enjoyed the most was extracting DNA from the sponge sample. It was a fascinating and rewarding experience that brought the theory to life in such a meaningful way. Each step of the process was engaging, and it was exciting to apply scientific techniques in a real laboratory setting. It truly made me appreciate the complexity and beauty of molecular biology.
Teacher (Ignite Outreach Participant)
TEACHER & LEARNER PARTICIPANTS FEEDBACK
© 2025 DIPLOMICS
DNA IS NOT JUST A TOPIC -
IT’S A TOOL
In Life Sciences, you learn about DNA — but it can sometimes feel distant from the real world.
DIPLOMICS Ignite helps learners understand how scientists “read” DNA using next-generation sequencing (NGS) — cutting-edge technology that can explore thousands of genes at once to reveal the secrets hidden inside living things.
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By studying DNA, scientists can uncover why diseases happen, how animals and plants survive, how oceans are changing, and how food can become safer and stronger.
YOU COULD BE A
SCIENTIST TOO
There isn’t just one type of scientist — and there isn’t just one path to get there. If you enjoy working with your hands, analysing data, asking questions, or solving puzzles, there is a place for you in science.
Some careers you might explore:
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DNA and Genomics Scientist studies genes and how they work
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Bioinformatician uses computers to analyse DNA data
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Laboratory Technologist works directly with samples and equipment
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Marine Scientist studies ocean life and ecosystems
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Environmental Scientist uses DNA to protect biodiversity
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Biotechnology Specialist helps develop medicines, food, and solutions
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DIPLOMICS Ignite helps you see what’s possible — and how school science connects to your future.
YOUR JOURNEY
INTO SCIENCE
There is no single “correct” path into science — and that’s a good thing.
Grade 8–9
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Build curiosity in Life Sciences and Natural Sciences
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Explore how biology connects to real life
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Start asking why and how questions
Grade 10–12
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Take Life Sciences seriously as a subject
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Learn core DNA, genetics, and evolution concepts
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Explore careers and tertiary options
After School
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Diploma or degree in biological, environmental, or health sciences
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TVET colleges or universities
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Honours, Masters, and PhD (if you choose)
Careers
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Research
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Industry
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Conservation
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Healthcare
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Biotechnology
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Data science
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DIPLOMICS Ignite helps learners see the full journey, not just the starting point.