About us 

About Us

The National Scientific Research Collections Platform (NSRCP) emerged as a visionary project under the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SaRIR), and championed by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). In response to the dynamic landscape of medical research, MBirSA was conceived to address the growing importance of biorepositories in healthcare and scientific advancements. It is within the transformative framework of the DSI, that MBirSA is rooted.

In response to the dynamic landscape of medical research, MBirSA was conceived to address the growing importance of biorepositories in healthcare and scientific advancements.

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Our Commitment and Objectives

At MBirSA, we are dedicated to achieving a set of clear objectives that underpin our mission to foster excellence in the realm of medical biorepositories across South Africa:

1

Establish a Robust Network: We strive to build and fortify a network of medical biorepositories in South Africa, creating a collaborative environment that enhances the synergy among these vital repositories. 

2

Standardised Processes with Ethical Rigour: Ensuring a standardised approach to the collection, storage, processing, and sharing of biomedical samples and associated data. We are steadfast in our commitment to upholding national and international ethical, legal, and quality assurance regulations, standards and best practices. 

3

Increasing Accessibility and Collaboration: We are on a mission to raise awareness about the multifarious benefits of a network of medical repositories. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to make biomedical samples more accessible, fostering increased utilisation in the pursuit of scientific advancement and breakthroughs. 

4

Professional Development Through Training: We are invested in promoting the highest standards in medical biorepository services. To achieve this, we actively develop and facilitate training opportunities for individuals within the field of biomedical research collections, encouraging professionalism and adherence to global best practices. 

5

Ensuring Infrastructure Integrity: We are committed to establishing and maintaining a network of proper physical infrastructure across South Africa for the storage of biomedical materials . This ensures that the quality and integrity of the resources provided to researchers are consistently upheld. 

MBirSA Steering committee members

The dedicated team of volunteers, dedicating their time and expertise to bring the MBirSA Network to life.

Dr Elne Conradie

Chair

ISBER Director-at-Large for Europe, the Middle East and Africa; Senior Subject Specialist: Biobank and Quality Management, Centre for Human Metabolomics, North-West University

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Dr Carmen Swanepoel

Deputy-Chair

Principal Medical Scientist & Lecturer, Division of Haematology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and National Health Laboratory Services, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town

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Prof Shenuka Singh


Full Professor, Discipline of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal

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Dr Mantombi Maseme


PhD (Wits), Manager Ampath Biorepository.

Medical Scientist, National Health Laboratory Service, National Biobank; Extraordinary Lecturer, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria

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Mr Faghri February


Senior Scientific Officer/Lab Manager, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town

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Dr Micheline Sanderson

Senior Lecturer/ Project Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa Biorepository (SSAB)/Division of Anatomical Pathology, Stellenbosch University

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Dr Dominique Anderson

Senior researcher and team lead for Biocollection Informatics, SANBI, UWC

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Dr Ciara Staunton

Eurac Research, School of Law, University of Kwazulu-Natal

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Mandile Thobela

Medical Biological Scientist – NHLS National Biobank

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MBirSA advisors

The dedicated international advisors volunteering their time and expertise to realise the vision of the MBirSA Network.

Dr Zisis Kozlakidis

Advisor


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MBirSA Membership

1. Introduction

This document sets out the governance framework for membership to the Medical Biorepositories of South Africa (MBirSA). It defines membership categories, eligibility criteria, the application process, rights and responsibilities, and terms of membership. This governance structure aims to ensure inclusive, equitable, and transparent participation in MBirSA’s activities, in alignment with its mission to support ethical, effective, and sustainable biorepositories in South Africa.

2. Categories of Membership

MBirSA offers four categories of membership:

  1. Biorepository membership
  2. Institutional membership
  3. Individual membership
  4. Associate members
  5. Observer status

2.1 Biorepository Membership

Biorepository membership is open to any biorepository operating within South Africa that supports and aligns with MBirSA’s principles and objectives.

Rights of membership

  • Eligibility to nominate representatives to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Opportunity to comment on and vote on any MBirSA consensus statements or other MBirSA policies developed.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).
  • Appointing a designated representative to engage with MBirSA on behalf of the biorepository.
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the biorepository website.

2.2 Institutional Membership

Institutional membership is open to South African institutions (e.g., universities, research councils, hospitals) that oversee or house multiple biorepositories.

Becoming a member:

  • The institution applies as a single entity and designates a primary liaison.
  • All biorepositories under the institution’s auspices automatically fall under the membership.

Rights of membership:

  • Eligibility to nominate representatives to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities of membership:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).
  • Oversight of affiliated biorepositories’ compliance with MBirSA principles
  • Facilitation of internal coordination and communication with MBirSA.
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the institution’s website.

2.3 Individual Membership

Individual membership is open to professionals, researchers, ethicists, policy experts, or community advocates with a demonstrated interest in medical biorepositories in South Africa.

Rights of membership:

  • Eligibility to nominate themselves to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).

2.4 Associate Membership

Associate membership is open to individuals or institutions located outside South Africa who support the aims of MBirSA and wish to collaborate or contribute to its work.

Rights of membership:

  • Eligibility to nominate themselves to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the website.

2.5 Observer status

A biorepository and/or institution that may be considering membership, can join as an observer for one year only.

Rights of observer status:

  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of observer status membership fees (if applicable).
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the website.

3. Application and Admission Process

  1. Applicants must complete the official MBirSA membership application form and submit any supporting documentation as required.
  2. All applications are reviewed by the MBirSA Steering Committee for decision.
  3. Successful applicants will receive formal notification and a welcome package, including the MBirSA Constitution and any applicable membership fees.

4. Duration and Renewal of Membership

Membership remains valid until such time as either the member or MBirSA chooses to terminate it, subject to continued eligibility, active engagement, and payment of membership fees (if applicable).

5. Termination or Suspension of Membership

Membership may be suspended or terminated if:

  • The member is found to be in serious breach of MBirSA’s Constitution or Code of Conduct by the Steering Committee.
  • The biorepository or institution is no longer operational.
  • The member voluntarily withdraws from MBirSA in writing.

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