Wits hosts the 5th Life Science Imaging Facility Research Day

On Thursday, 30th October 2025, the 5th Life Sciences Imaging Facility (LSIF) Research Day was held at the Origins Centre, University of the Witwatersrand. This event happening every 2 years serves as a friendly networking platform for the microscopy community, offering young researchers an opportunity to form collaborations and explore the latest advances in microscopy techniques.

The theme for this year was the potentials of light microscopy. The event welcomed participants from all areas of the Life Sciences — including oncology, virology, neuroscience, pharmacology, animal and plant sciences, and environmental studies, among others.

“This year, we were delighted to host numerous visitors from the University of Johannesburg, the University of Pretoria, UNISA, North-West University, the NHLS, and the NICD,” says Dr Aurélie Deroubaix, Manager of the LSIF.

The highlight of the day was the talks by two distinguished guest speakers who shared their insights on cutting-edge developments in high-end microscopy. Dr Chris Power, 3D Imaging Specialist at a Germany-based manufacturer, Carl Zeiss, delivered an astute presentation on Advances and trends in Laser Scanning Microscopy. Professor Ben Loos, the Chair of Physiology at Stellenbosch University and representative of the South African Bioimaging (SABI), also spoke on the Power of microscopy in unravelling neuronal cellular health and disease.

“In alignment with the mission of SABI, the Research Day continues to promote awareness and engagement with microscopy, encouraging its use across research disciplines and fostering a strong, collaborative microscopy community in South Africa,” she explains. Life Sciences Imaging is a powerful tool for research, diagnostics, education and innovation, and allows visualization of complex biological processes across multiple disciplines.

Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to showcase the research they conducted over the past year. Congratulations to all participants — and especially to the winners of the Best Oral Presentation and Best Image awards.

1st prize: Ms Courtney Brown, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand. “From algorithms to action: combatting the neurodegenerative pathology in Parkinson's disease with novel agonists.”
2nd prize: Mr Modisaotsile Lamola, HVDRU, Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand.” Illuminating the role of HBV subgenotype A1 in activating invasion and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma.”
3rd prizes: Mr Sibusiso Malindisa, department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, UNISA.” Subcellular dynamics and pharmacological targeting of the RBBP6/MDM2/p53 complex in lung cancer cells.”
Ms Kate da Silva, Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand. “A Biomimetic 3D-Printed Scaffold for Targeted Liver Regeneration after Trauma.”

Best image awards:

 

1st prize: Mr Modisaotsile Lamola, HVDRU, Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand. Actin filaments (HuH7 cells) were stained with Phalloidin Atto 590 (red), fibronectin with Alexa Fluor® 488 (green), and nuclei with DAPI (blue). Zeiss LSM 780 Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope & Airyscan. 63X objective.
2nd prize: Ms Katharine Dirks, School of molecular and cell biology, University of the Witwatersrand. Modelling HPV-induced oncogenesis in human cervical tissue-derived 3D organoid cultures.
3rd prize: Mr Brian Kariithi, Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand. "Die Balletjie": an SEM Image of a 3D GBM Astrocyte.

In alignment with the mission of SABI, the Research Day continues to promote awareness and engagement with microscopy, encouraging its use across research disciplines and fostering a strong, collaborative microscopy community in South Africa.