The recent Society for Advanced Cell Culture Modelling for Africa (SACCMA) Conference, organised by the Faculty of Health Sciences of the North-West University (NWU), witnessed a delegation from the NWU making a significant impact on both the local and international stage. Despite planning a smaller conference this year, the faculty welcomed 91 registered delegates and 10 exhibitors, indicating the growing interest in and importance of the research field. The conference attracted delegates from countries such as Mauritius, the USA, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and France. Active participation from local institutions like the University of Pretoria, Wits, the University of the Free State, Stellenbosch University, the University of Cape Town, the University of the Western Cape, the Vaal University of Technology and the CSIR was also welcomed.

NWU faculty members Prof Lissinda du Plessis, Alandi van Niekerk (PhD student), Prof Krzysztof Wrzesinski (with an extraordinary appointment) and Prof Chrisna Gouws delivered presentations at the conference, underlining the depth of expertise and research contributions from the NWU. Ms Van Niekerk, a promising PhD student at the faculty, also presented a poster at the event, highlighting the innovative research conducted at the NWU.

Feedback from conference participants was overwhelmingly positive, with delegates having expressed their eagerness to participate in the next conference in 2025. The overarching theme of the conference focused on the implementation of advanced cell culture models in research, signalling a growing interest in the field. Institutions such as Stellenbosch University, the University of Pretoria, the Vaal University of Technology and the University of the Free State expressed their interest in partnering with the NWU to expand their research using the 3D cell culture technology expertise in PharMaCen – a prospect of exciting future research collaborations.

Prof Chrisna Gouws was also invited to collaborate on an EU funding application involving cancer spheroid and bioprinting technology, showing the international recognition of the NWU's capabilities in this field. Furthermore, Prof Gouws was re-elected as the executive committee chair for SACCMA. This truly highlights the leadership role the NWU plays in advancing cell culture models in Africa.

The Faculty of Health Sciences is proud of these achievements and grateful for the support of its members. Their contributions continue to advance the field and strengthen South Africa's presence in it. With successful presentations, productive collaborations and international recognition, the NWU continues to drive innovation in advanced cell culture models, making a positive impact on the scientific community.

Delegates who attended the Society for Advanced Cell Culture Modelling for Africa Conference.