The conference is being hosted by the Biomaterials Association of South Africa (BioMatSA) and its theme is ‘Advancing biomaterials in Africa’. This is also in line with its aim. “Through the conference we hope to advance biomaterials research in South Africa and the rest of Africa as well as to foster and develop national and international multidisciplinary collaborations and networks. Issues pertinent to the continent will be addressed and highlighted,” explains Avashnee Chetty, the conference’s organisational chair.

Biomaterials have been instrumental in increasing human life expectancy and improving quality of life. The Biomaterials-Africa 2009 conference will showcase the latest technological innovations and research developments in the biomaterials field in Africa as well as present the latest global trends. Sub-themes for the conferences include:

* Biomaterials, including bioceramics, biopolymers and bio-metals
* Drug delivery systems
* Nano-enabled biomaterials
* Regenerative tissue engineering
* Stem cells
* Medical devices
* Biomechanics.

“This conference promises to bring together both national and international experts in the biomaterials field,” says Chetty. “Attendees can expect a cutting-edge scientific programme focusing on some of the key biomaterials areas, with an interesting line-up of world-renowned speakers.”

Plenary speakers include Professor Shuguang Zhang (MIT), Professor Tatsuay Shimuzu (Tokyo Women’s Medical University) and Professor David Edwards (Harvard University), who are experts in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and drug-delivery respectively.

For more information, please visit the 1st Biomaterials-Africa 2009 conference web page at http://www.biomaterialsafrica.co.za

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