The Department of Genetics at Stellenbosch University is proud to announce its Centenary Symposium, at Stellenbosch University. This once-in-a-lifetime gathering will celebrate 100 years of excellence in genetics research, teaching, and innovation, bringing together academics, alumni, industry leaders, and students for a day of reflection, discovery, and future-focused dialogue. With RSVPs now closed, we are excited to welcome 170 confirmed delegates who will join us for this historic celebration.

Delegates can expect a full day of thought-provoking presentations  on  research from across the genetic sciences, personal journeys shared by alumni, and insights into how our department has evolved into one of only two independent genetics departments in South Africa. The programme will blend scientific sessions with history and storytelling, offering a rich perspective on both our past contributions and our ambitions for the future. Networking opportunities will be plentiful, with exhibitor stands from key industry partners, interactive poster sessions, and time to connect with colleagues and friends old and new.

The symposium will be hosted at the Wallenberg Research Centre @ STIAS in Stellenbosch, a world-class conference facility. Delegates can look forward to a seamless conference experience with modern, high-tech audiovisual facilities. The day will be punctuated with delicious refreshments, including arrival coffee, mid-morning snacks, a buffet lunch, and afternoon tea. Special attention will also be given to dietary needs, with options ranging from vegan and vegetarian to gluten-free and Halaal. A professional videographer/photographer will capture the entire event, ensuring that the spirit of the centenary is recorded for our archives, website, and official university media. Delegates are encouraged to dress smartly, as these images will form part of the permanent record of this milestone celebration.

We are especially proud to acknowledge Separation Scientific SA (Pty) Ltd and Inqaba Biotec as our lead sponsors for this centenary celebration. Their longstanding partnership with our department and their commitment to advancing genetics research have been instrumental in making this event possible. Alongside them, we are delighted to welcome Anatech Analytical Technology as an additional sponsor, further strengthening the industry’s support for this milestone occasion. Together, these sponsors ensure the symposium will be both impactful and memorable.

The celebrations will not end when the formal sessions conclude. Delegates are invited to join an after-hours cocktail event, where conversations will flow in a relaxed atmosphere and the centenary spirit will continue in style.

As your departmental scribe, I have had the privilege of experiencing this department from many angles, first as an undergraduate student, then as a postgraduate, later as a lecturer, and in that time, I have witnessed five brilliant heads of department, the growth of our institute from IPB to  IPBB, and the department’s continued rise as a hub of excellence. What an exciting time to be part of the Faculty of AgriSciences and to celebrate 100 years of Genetics at Stellenbosch.