SA Metabolomics Association established and officially affiliated to a prestigious international scientific body

The end of June 2018 marked a significant moment in the South African metabolomics research space as the Metabolomics Association of South Africa (MASA) was officially affiliated to the International Metabolomics Society (IMS), effective 1st July 2018. Supported by the ACGT, in a stakeholder meeting held in January 2018 at the CSIR International Convention Centre (ICC) in Pretoria, local metabolomics representatives from several research institutions and industry, unanimously agreed to formally establish a non-profit organization, the MASA, and seek affiliation to the IMS. Such motion rose from the realisation of benefits of having a local structured platform that would provide the opportunity for collaboration among scientists in the field and related sciences, and connection between academia, government and industry. This would promote and improve the profile of metabolomics research and technology in South Africa, foster networking, training, capacity building, information sharing, mentoring, career opportunities, leadership training and professional development. Furthermore, the affiliation with the IMS provides international recognition, enhances the local association’s effectiveness and promotes awareness of locally and internationally available resources and joint initiatives of mutual benefits.

Thus, a committee was formed with at least one member representative from institutions that have active metabolomics research and development programs. The following were the individuals nominated into the committee:

  • Dr Fidele Tugizimana (University of Johannesburg) – Chairperson
  • Prof Duncan Cromarty (University of Pretoria) – Deputy Chairperson
  • Prof Du Toit Loots (North-West University) – Secretary
  • Dr Aurelia Williams (North-West University) – Deputy Secretary
  • Dr Wilma Augustyn (Tshwane University of Technology) – Member
  • Prof Geoffrey Candy (University of the Witwatersrand) – Member
  • Dr David Tabb (Stellenbosch University) – Member
  • Mr Molati Nonyane (African Centre for Gene Technologies) – Member
  • Dr Nelson Soares (University of Cape Town) – Member, and
  • Prof Gerhard Prinsloo (University of South Africa) – Member.

The MASA chairman, Dr Fidele Tugizimana, already serves on several IMS committees and was nominated to spearhead the registration and affiliation of MASA with the IMS. Dr Tugizimana, with the assistance of the committee, compiled the required documentation for the application for MASA to be affiliated with the IMS. The documents and application were submitted by Dr Tugizimana a few days before the 14th International Conference of the Metabolomics Society, held in Seattle from the 24-28th of June 2018.

The IMS president, Prof Jules Griffin, announced during the opening and closing sessions of the conference that the MASA was officially affiliated with the IMS. During the international affiliates meeting, the president of the IMS confirmed that the IMS will support the MASA’s activities, particularly in training and other activities which boost the profile of metabolomics research in SA. Prof Griffin also highlighted that he would be happy to join future MASA symposia or conferences, if the dates match his availability.

Representatives from all the IMS international affiliates after their meeting in Seattle, USA. Dr Fidele Tugizimana is to the far right with president of the IMS, Prof Jules Griffin, next to him.

MASA will promote the growth and development of the field of metabolomics, particularly in South Africa and on the continent of Africa. MASA will also provide the opportunity for association and collaboration among scientists and connections between academia and industry in the field of metabolomics; provide opportunities for presentation of research achievements and for training workshops; promote the publication of meritorious research in the field; and furthermore, facilitate any other activities in support of and to benefit the above purposes.The affiliation will provide opportunities for bursaries and fellowships associated with the local metabolomics association.

The MASA committee will meet soon to lay out plans for future activities, branding, websites and other logistical steps. Once the MASA has gained further momentum, plans to host the International metabolomics conference in South Africa will be considered as per the IMS policy to rotate the conference location across the globe. The ACGT will continue to inform and update the metabolomics community on all developments.

For any queries or additional information, kindly contact Mr Molati Nonyane, ACGT Liaison Scientist ( or 012 420 6845).

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