As part of the German-South Africa Year of Science, the Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, hosted an international conference, from the 29 -31 October 2012.
The conference, entitled “Photodynamic Therapy – A Minimally Invasive Approach and Innovation in Health Care for South Africa” covered both Research and Clinical applications of PDT, and these were addressed by plenary lectures from international experts in Photochemistry, Photobiology, Lasers, Laser Medicine and Biochemistry from Germany, Egypt and South Africa at the conference. The conference was also attended by many South African post graduate students involved with Photodynamic Therapy research.
The conference, which took place at the University of Johannesburg Auckland Park Kingsway Campus was a resounding success and the opening ceremony was attended by, among others, H.E. Ambassador Dr Freitag of Germany; the South African Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa; the Director of the National Laser Centre, Dr Ndumiso Cingo; the Manager of the African Laser Centre, Dr Paul Motolane; the Director of Bilateral Relations (Europe and Gulf States) from the Department of Science and Technology, Mr Khaya Sishuba; the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Johannesburg, Prof Adam Habib; the Executive Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg, Prof Andre Swart; and Head and Leader of the Laser Research Centre at the University of Johannesburg,Prof. Heidi Abrahamse
The conference was supported by the German-South Africa Year of Science, the Laser Research Centre, the University of Johannesburg, the African Laser Centre and the CSIR.
Prof Andre Swart (UJ), Dr Gwen
Ramakgopa (Ministry of Health),
Dr Freitag (German Embassy), Prof.
Heidi Abrahamse (UJ)
