Wesgro is pleased to announce that the South African Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SASBMB) in partnership with the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, the South African National Convention Bureau and the Cape Town International Convention Centre has won the bid to host the 2027 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) Triennial International Congress. This will be the first time that the IUBMB Triennial Congress is hosted on the African continent.
The congress is scheduled to take place from 19-23 September 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, under the theme: “Biochemical and Molecular Innovation for a new world”, and is estimated to attract 1 500 delegates from across the world. A major activity of the IUBMB is the organization of international meetings to present cutting edge research in the area of biochemistry and molecular biology.
SASBMB is a society of South African scientists involved in biochemistry and molecular biology research, aimed at promoting the development and understanding of this research in South Africa, and to facilitate communication among scientists. Members include university students, postdoctoral fellows, junior researchers and established professional and academic scientists.
"South Africa’s relative state of development has resulted in many of our programmes and institutions being considered as gateways to Africa at large – especially from a training perspective. We have thus contributed hugely to the bio-economies, academia, basic and translational research and innovation of many African nations. We believe that this puts us in a strong and respected position amongst our African partners, affords us great leverage amongst potential sponsors globally and locally, and hosting IUBMB 2027 in Cape Town will undoubtedly leave a legacy deep into Africa and the future said title at South African Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, name of the person", said Head of the Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Cape Town, Professor Edward Sturrock.
Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier, said: “Through our investment teams and specific streams such as the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, a division of Wesgro, a lot of work has gone into cementing our brand as a premier business events destination. The hosting of this congress will not only add a significant boost to the economy of the city and the province, and help create much-needed jobs, but will also place focus on the thought leadership available in the biochemistry, molecular biology and related fields in the Western Cape Province”.
Congratulating the team, Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander, said: “We are extremely proud of the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau and key partners for their tenacity, consistency and dedication in promoting the Cape as a place where great minds meet, helping boost business events in our destination. It is reported that an estimated 1 500 delegates are expected to attend the IUBMB Triennial Congress this year, which will have an estimated economic impact of R48 Million. This will not only help create much-needed jobs for our people, but it will also help maintain the city’s number one spot in Africa.