Who we are
The IMBiosciences Research Institute (IMBRI) is a non-profit organization based in Gqeberha, South Africa.
We are an independent research institute, and we specialize in basic and translational cancer research. It is our mission to contribute to the improvement of current chemotherapeutics by translating promising laboratory-based scientific discoveries into therapeutics that could benefit cancer patients.
We also aim to promote scientific research and science education in schools through our Social Outreach and Science Engagement programs.
LEADERSHIP
Melanie Pereira, PhD
Melanie co-founded the IMBiosciences Research Institute and oversees the research activities of the organization as the Research Director. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry and has postdoctoral training in Nanoscience, as well as Cell Biology from Nelson Mandela University. Her core area of expertise lies in drug combination studies involving novel or phytochemical-based compounds to treat various cancers, and her research is centered on discovering novel and improved approaches to cancer therapy.
Melanie's passion to make a difference and contribute to cancer research was ignited during her doctoral studies - the findings of which provided significant insight concerning the combination effects of novel aminonaphthoquinone derivatives and the phytochemical curcumin, against breast, bone, and endometrial cancer.
The potential of her research to greatly impact therapeutic treatments inspired Melanie to establish IMBRI with her husband, Kurt. Her passion is fueled by the hope that IMBRI's research, science engagement and social outreach endeavors would impact and touch lives positively.
Kurt Pereira
Kurt co-founded the IMBiosciences Research Institute and serves as Chairperson of the Executive Board. A postgraduate of Nelson Mandela University, he has more than 20 years of business leadership experience. He is also an experienced Board member, and as such, possesses extensive knowledge of finance, strategy, and governance to lead the IMBiosciences Research Institute.
With his strong business and leadership background, and the shared aspiration with his wife, Dr. Melanie Pereira, to make a difference in the lives of those undergoing their own battle against cancer, the IMBiosciences Research Institute was born.
Kurt’s desire to take up the fight against cancer stems from his personal association with the disease, having lost his father to throat cancer. The devastating impact of cancer has solidified his commitment to help the IMBiosciences Research Institute achieve its mission and goals.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Executive Board of the IMBiosciences Research Institute is composed of leaders in business, science, and finance – who are unremittingly committed in aiding the organization to continue its mission every step of the way.
What we do
One of the main challenges facing chemotherapy is the toxicity of the relative treatment to normal cells, as well as the development of drug resistance or clinical relapse [1-3].
For this reason, especially in the field of oncology, combination therapies are often used to treat cancer more effectively; since the action of multiple drugs may involve different mechanisms or modes of action, and can be directed at multiple targets, thereby resulting in higher therapeutic efficacy [3].
The application of phytochemicals in cancer research has shown much promise, since these compounds target multiple pathways to achieve cellular death. An enormous field of exploration exists for research on these health-promoting compounds. The possibility of combining novel or conventional drugs with certain phytochemicals offers significant advantages, such as the building of more efficient anti-cancer therapies coupled with minimal side-effects on the health of patients [4-16].
The IMBiosciences Research Institute is dedicated to advancing cancer research and discovering novel cancer treatments that could save lives and improve quality of life. It is our aspiration that our research could provide a strong basis for the development of highly active and powerful broad-spectrum or multi-component anti-cancer drugs.
The key focus of our Science Engagement Program is to provide academic support to learners with scientific career aspirations and to stimulate interest in science-based careers. It is our hope to aid in transforming science-based education in our community and to produce aspirant innovators and scientists.
We strive to inspire learners to work towards a successful future through:
- Empowering learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in biomolecular science-based careers, through the provision of laboratory instruction that covers a wide array of science-related disciplines.
- Training learners in the analysis of scientific data.
- Promoting science communication skills for effective writing and presentation.
Our Social Outreach Program involves the following initiatives:
The global impact of cancer is concerning as it elicits great suffering and economic loss world-wide. The aim of our Community Cancer Awareness Program is to promote cancer awareness – in terms of recognizing the causes and early signs of cancer, types of cancer, treatment options available and prevention.
2. Postgraduate Research Grant Program
The aim of our Postgraduate Research Program is to fund innovative cancer studies for potential application in a clinical setting. The application process is competitive, and proposals will be assessed through an external peer review.
3. Bursary Program
The aim of our Bursary Program is to foster scientific interest and research by awarding bursaries to academically deserving students from disadvantaged backgrounds – for undergraduate studies in the field of Biomolecular Sciences.
Bursary Program is to foster scientific interest and research by awarding bursaries to deserving, disadvantaged students – for studies towards an undergraduate degree in the field of Biomolecular Sciences.
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