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Archive -Seychelles

Laboratories, research facilities survey |23 July 2018

Researchers, lab technicians discuss findings

 

Technicians from different laboratories and researchers from other research facilities in the country gathered for half-day workshop on Thursday to be apprised of and give their inputs on the findings of a laboratories and research facilities survey conducted in April and May this year.

The survey was conducted by the National Institute for Science, Technology and Innovation (Nisti) to obtain updated information on existing laboratories and the services they offer in the country with the aim of identifying the challenges they face to provide services required of them and to seek ways to boost their capacity and raise the standard and quality of their services.

This survey is in line with Nisti’s mandate where science, technology and innovation have to be used fully for the socio-economic growth and development of the country.

Nisti chief executive Xavier Estico launched the working and discussion session while principal research officer Kevin Fabien presented an overview of the survey findings and recommendations.

Lab technicians and researchers then gathered in working groups to discuss the recommendations. They were from the Seychelles Bureau of Standards, Seychelles Fishing Authority, Ministry of Health, Public Health Authority, Public Utilities Corporation, National Botanical Gardens Foundation, Seychelles Agricultural Agency, National Biosecurity Agency, Department of Environment, Seychelles Police, University of Seychelles and the Blue Economy Research Institute.

The survey found that laboratories and research facilities are dispersed throughout different ministries, educational institutions, authorities and agencies.

These laboratories and research facilities are providing  services to the general public and various sectors of the economy but it has been found that they face many major challenges namely fragmentation of research data.

Among the different recommendations was:

• the need to develop legislations where all aspects related to laboratories such as designs and construction, environmental impacts, importation of laboratory materials, biosafety and biosecurity, quality assurance, licensing and accreditation should be reviewed;

• the need for Nisti to ease the identification of national and overseas partners in order to strengthen and establish working relationships and collaborations which will help the facilities in terms of training, scholarships, equipment and most importantly to keep abreast of emerging technologies;

• the need to have a data repository where Nisti will deposit all research data collected by government and non-governmental organisations.

Now it remains for related functions from all laboratories and other research facilities to be converged as much as possible to create a pool of capable manpower within sectors. This will increase capability where full use of resources will be achieved.

Periodical audits need to be carried out to ensure there is effectiveness and improvement in terms of capabilities and capacities of laboratories and research facilities.

The technicians and researchers were very enthusiastic and showed keen interest in the discussions.

Joanne Pragassen, who works in the Clinical Lab in the Ministry of Health, said she expects more collaboration and technical support following the survey.

Leon Biscornet, acting head of the Seychelles Public Health Lab (SPHL) in the Ministry of Health, shared the same view and said: “I am hoping for better collaboration among the different laboratories and more support from Nisti.”

 

 

 

 

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