The Southern African Biomanufacturing Training Hub (SA-BTH) is offering a specialised course titled “Principles for Microbial Preservation and Aseptic Techniques in Biomanufacturing (I-BTH03)”.

The course forms part of the BIOcapSA programme, which aims to strengthen biomanufacturing skills and develop a skilled and competent workforce in Africa. It is intended for African manufacturers, scientists and other stakeholders involved in the development and scale-up of biomanufacturing processes and products.

The training focuses on developing the knowledge and practical competencies needed to establish effective microbial preservation systems and carry out aseptic operations in laboratory and manufacturing settings. It also addresses contamination control and culture preservation to support safe and reproducible biomanufacturing processes.

Course Focus

The course covers:

• Microbial preservation
  • Preservation methods for microbial systems.
• Aseptic techniques
  • Contamination prevention and aseptic handling.
• Practical skills
  • Culture handling and sterility testing. 

The course is therefore particularly relevant to professionals who need practical capability in maintaining microbial cultures, preventing contamination and supporting reliable biomanufacturing operations.

Who Should Attend?

Preference will be given to:

• Current staff in the biomanufacturing sector requiring skills expansion or upgrading.
• New or developing staff in the biomanufacturing sector.
• Identified staff members or new recruits for a biomanufacturing facility.
• Staff from biomanufacturing facilities currently under construction that will require a skilled workforce. 

Eligibility

Applications are open to qualified persons from South Africa.

Applicants must:

• Be qualified candidates relevant to the course and biomanufacturing sector.
• Hold a relevant B-degree. 

Young South African women are encouraged to apply.

Geographic Eligibility

Unlike some of the earlier SA-BTH courses, this particular announcement states that applications are accepted from South Africa. It does not state that applicants from all African Union Member States are eligible for this course.

Country: South Africa

Course Delivery

The programme uses a hybrid format, combining:

• Hands-on training
• Classroom-based lectures delivered online and in person. 

A reliable internet connection is required for the online component, with a recommended download and upload speed of 5–10 Mbps.

Course Dates and Venue

Online Component

19–23 October 2026

On-site Training

26–30 October 2026

Duration

10 days in total

The training takes place online and in person, with the in-person component hosted at the CSIR Pretoria Campus, South Africa.

Funding / Financial Support

A maximum of 20 candidates will be selected.

For South African candidates, the funding package includes:

• All course fees
• Travel expenses, including flights for 10 participants outside Gauteng
• Accommodation for the on-site training
• One return ground transfer between the airport and accommodation
• Daily ground transport between accommodation and the CSIR course venue. 

The document states that subsistence and travel allowances will not be covered.

Application Process

Applicants must complete the designated application form provided for the course.

Applicants should ensure that they meet the academic qualification requirement and demonstrate relevance to the biomanufacturing sector, particularly where they are:

• Current biomanufacturing staff requiring training or upgrading.
• New or developing staff in the sector.
• Staff or recruits for biomanufacturing facilities.
• Staff associated with facilities under construction. 

Limitations / Important Considerations

Applicants should note:

• Participation is limited to a maximum of 20 candidates. 
• The course is currently presented as South Africa-only in the eligibility section. 
• Applicants must hold a relevant B-degree. 
• The course has both online and on-site components, so participants need to be able to participate in both.
• The on-site training is at the CSIR Pretoria Campus.
• A reliable internet connection is required for the online component.
• Travel and subsistence allowances are not covered. 

Key Dates

Application Deadline: 9 September 2026
Selected Candidates Notified: 25 September 2026
Online Training: 19–23 October 2026
On-site Training: 26–30 October 2026

Click HERE to register.