About BIOGRIP

What is BIOGRIP?

The Biogeochemistry Research Infrastructure Platform (BIOGRIP) is a South African research platform funded by the Department of Science and Innovation. BIOGRIP will drive biogeochemical knowledge creation and application by:

  • developing world-class analytical facilities

  • improving monitoring of key biogeochemical environmental variables

  • generating and compiling statistically meaningful datasets

  • providing technical capacity, training, support and scientific leadership in biogeochemical research.

BIOGRIP consists of a network of research laboratories organised into four main nodes, each hosted by a South African university. These nodes support discipline-specific research and larger-scale integrated and interdisciplinary efforts.

BIOGRIP works with and supports other research infrastructure platforms in South Africa, such as the Expanded Freshwater and Terrestrial Environmental Observation Network (EFTEON), Shallow Marine and Coastal Research Infrastructure (SMCRI), and the Natural Sciences Collection Facility (NSCF). It also provides analytical support and collaborates with a range of academic, public and private sector partners.

What we do

BIOGRIP aims to build on biogeochemical research already being done by South African researchers in terrestrial, marine, aquatic, atmospheric, mineral, microbial and palaeo biogeochemistry.

The platform makes possible ambitious research objectives relevant to South Africa and globally. These include investigations into human origins, water management, waste reuse, air pollution, climate change and other impacts of human activities on the environment.

By providing essential analyses that make this research possible, BIOGRIP contributes knowledge, research capacity and the development of highly skilled researchers to a vibrant and thriving economy.

What we offer

BIOGRIP nodes house cutting-edge laboratories and equipment that contributes to new analytical capacity in South Africa. Among these resources is the Isotope Node’s RESOlution laser ablation system, coupled with a Nu Instruments Attom, which is the first machine of its kind on the continent, and enables U-series dating of carbonates.

Research and analysis facilitated by BIOGRIP addresses a variety of environmental and social issues, including water, soil, waste management (mine tailings, sewage sludge) and air quality. Research into past environments and questions of human evolution are also enabled by BIOGRIP facilities.

BIOGRIP is open to partners in academic, public and private sectors where work can be strengthened by accessing leading technology and local talent. Those interested in accessing BIOGRIP’s services should contact us or explore the various nodes for specific analytical service offerings.

Annual reports & documents

BIOGRIP publishes annual reports and other important documents that provide detailed insight into how it is achieving these aims, including key figures, deliverables and financial reporting.

  • Download full report here.

  • Download full report here.

  • Download full report here.

  • Download full report here.

  • Download full report here.

  • Download the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR) Research Infrastructure (RI) Proposal here.

  • Download the SA Department of Science and Technology (DST) publication here.