Page 18 - MRC Newsletter Ed-1 (2021)

One of the researchers from ZERI, Dr Horn, indicated that ZERI
researchers were involved in research on induced mutation
breeding on selected exotic and indigenous mushroom
species as indicated in the picture below:

The research outputs from ZERI were eventually transformed
into innovative products by researchers who were innovative
as they developed products from mushrooms in the form of
soup varieties and food supplements with one (Ganoderma
Dietary Supplements) for commercialisation as evidently Mutation breeding experiment on Shiitake strains
shown below. growing on wheat straw

ZERI did not only record success in terms of student supervision
or innovative products outputs but also in terms of research
publications in reputable journals. As a result of the good
track record of the researchers, some of them eventually
were promoted from researcher to senior researcher levels.
Dr Kadhila explains that: “In terms of promotions and staff
career promotions at ZERI, Ms Ueitele obtained her MSc
in Science while Dr Kadhila obtained her PhD in Applied The images above display some of the innovations from ZERI
Biology. Ms Shivute is busy with her PhD dissertation while mushroom products
Ms Shimooshili is studying towards a BBA.” The photo below
attests to ZERI’s academic achievements of the researchers
from ZERI and MRC in general.

The Division welcomed Dr Lydia Horn in 2018, a Plant Breeder
and a mushroom and vegetable expert. Dr Horn brought
with her good negotiation skills that helped in securing
funds for ZERI to build a greenhouse that is equipped with
automated irrigation. Dr Horn reflects her sojourn at MRC
and concludes that it was indeed worth it: “Joining the From left, Dr Horn, Dr Kadhila, Ms Ueitele and Dr Van Rooy
MRC as a researcher was the greatest experience in my
professional career. I like the hard work of the team and this
has motivated me to work harder going forward!”

ZERI successfully acquired a greenhouse with funding support
from International Atomic Energy Agency/African Regional
Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and
Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (IAEA/
AFRA) under the supervision of Dr Horn, which caters for
community and for student training needs. From left, student interns at the ZERI green house and on the right is
the green house (with support from IAEA/AFRA) at ZERI
ZERI researchers served in various committees as part
of community and research engagements that helped
to position them very well in terms of ensuring that they
have easy access to information for potential research
engagements. Dr Kadhila, for example, pointed out one
of the key appointments in ZERI by the researchers: “Dr
Horn was appointed to the African Regional Co-operative
Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related
to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) High Level
Steering Committee for Human Resource Development The HLSC members during the annual meeting at the UN
and Nuclear Resource Management (HLSC).” Headquarters in Vienna - Austria 2018

018 RESEARCH MATTERS VOL 8. 2021 MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH CENTRE