Network Hub and Nodes

A regional biosciences network consists of a Hub and several Nodes distributed throughout the region. The choice of the Hub is based on an institution that is involved in cutting-edge scientific research in biosciences while Nodes are institutions that are also actively involved in research and have expertise that provide unique skills and research facilities to complement the capacity of the Hub. This arrangement allows institutions in the region to address problems that require a pool of human, physical and financial resources.

Role of the Hub

The CSIR Bioscience unit was officially designated as the Hub for SANBio. The process for selection of the CSIR as a Hub was made through an open call in the region. There were certain guiding principles in selecting the Hub. These included the following:

• The Hub will act as a central focal point for the integration of R&D expertise and facilities across the region to achieve synergy and cooperation in biosciences in the development of the regional network.
• It will be involved in a vigorous programme of capacity development. In a number of countries the expertise is severely limited and this will not only offer an opportunity to correct the deficiency but also ensure a greater potential for all of the countries to participate in projects.
• It will coordinate the identification of projects, which have already been initiated and could serve as a base to develop regional projects.
• It will develop a close scientific cooperation with other networks and Hubs.

Nodes

The Nodes are centres of excellence or institutions with high reputation in certain disciplines that will be distributed amongst the 12 SANBio countries. A Node may be designated so, because of the following principles:

• It is regionally important and fulfils national development priorities.
• It has a particular strength, e.g. capacity/competency in a particular technology.
• It has established a culture for collaboration, regionally and internationally.
• There is a clear indication of political (national) support for the institution as indicated by (trends in) levels of activities.
• It demonstrates that the research work being done in the institution contributes to improved food security, income generation, human health and/or environmental sustainability within the region.
• It demonstrates a potential for collaboration, networking and the involvement of regional biosciences activities.

Role of the Nodes

• Provide a particular strength, e.g. capacity/competency in a given technology.
• Provide an operational focal point outside the Hub to service other members of the network in a specific project related area where the Nodes have the necessary expertise.

Interaction between the Hub and Nodes

A group within the Hub can also act as a Node in their area of expertise. The Hub will stimulate interaction (staff exchange, training, use of expensive equipments etc.) between the Nodes of the network and also between the four different networks. Researchers from the Nodes will have access to equipments and human capital that will be available at the Node. Consortium based research involving more than four countries will be highly encouraged by the Nodes and the Hub.