–with launch of cutting-edge molecular laboratories

WITH the goal of becoming a regional and international hub for research excellence, the University of Guyana (UG) on Tuesday unveiled its state-of-the-art molecular laboratories.
The Faculty of Natural Sciences, through its Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity, now boasts a DNA Barcoding Laboratory, while the College of Medical Sciences has introduced a new Medical Diagnostic Laboratory to enhance research and diagnostics.

The official inauguration of the molecular laboratories took place at the university’s Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown campus at The Hogben Drayton Math and Science Centre.
It marks a new era in the operations of Guyana’s only national university, providing a space for advanced research in molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, and related fields.
The labs are equipped with advanced technologies for genetic sequencing, DNA analysis, and bioengineering, positioning UG to contribute significantly to scientific knowledge and innovation in these areas. Researchers, students and faculty members are now able to conduct high-level scientific work that was previously out of reach due to the lack of sophisticated infrastructure.

UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, during her remarks, emphasised the university’s commitment to elevating its research capacity and enhancing Guyana’s contribution to the global scientific community.
“These two important labs are there not only for us to map, to understand, to study, to store, to share international what we know about these things in Guyana but also to affect how they impact life,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor also noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the university faced a major challenge: While it had the technical expertise to diagnose the different strains of the virus, it lacked the necessary resources.
With only one lab available in the country, she said all other samples had to be sent abroad for analysis.
The Vice-Chancellor added: “So, the initial conversation about one of these labs was really about how we could bring the technical human expertise together with the hardware and the architecture and the infrastructure so that the university could do this…”
She said the aim was not only to diagnose COVID-19 but also to build capacity for handling other diseases.

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
The objective, Mohamed-Martin noted, was to teach others these skills, so that in the event of a future outbreak, the university could respond effectively—not just as an academic institution, but as the national university, contributing to solving public health challenges.
Director, Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity, Dr. Gyanpriya Maharaj highlighted the shift in biodiversity research in Guyana from species and ecosystem levels to little work on genetic analysis.
Previously, samples were sent abroad for analysis, leading to a lack of local understanding, she noted.

Now, with new DNA technology on campus, Dr. Maharaj pointed out that researchers can identify new species, study their evolutionary relationships, and monitor ecosystems.
According to her, the DNA Barcoding Laboratory is crucial for informed biodiversity protection and training future researchers.
“These facilities will now ensure that our researchers and our students have that ability to not just understand what happens in between but to be able to do that science on their natural resources,” she said.
Dr. Maharaj made reference to the tropical moth from Guyana that was recently discovered in South Wales, Great Britain.

“Not only were they [researchers] able to use DNA technology to determine it was a new species, they were able to look at the relationships to other clearwing moths, and they were even able to tell what plant the larvae were feeding on,” she said.
Dr. Maharaj related that the new ‘lab’ will not only aid in identifying new species and understanding their evolutionary relationships, but it will also play a vital role in ecological and conservation research.
With the ability to quickly and accurately identify organisms, she said the lab will enable better ecosystem monitoring and biodiversity assessment.

“This standardised method that’s used globally can now ensure that we contribute, not just nationally and regionally, but we now contribute on a global scale to studying our biodiversity with this cutting-edge technology. And the methods that we use, we can add to the efforts that we currently have,” Dr. Maharaj said.

Martina McKenzie, the Assistant Dean of the College of Medical Sciences said that the college’s first Medical Diagnostic Laboratory will enhance practical training in molecular biology for students.
She said the ‘lab’ will enable in-house research on mutations, pathogenicity islands, and virulence factors, reducing costs and time previously spent outsourcing.
According to her, the ‘lab’ will also focus on genetic diseases like hemoglobinopathies and Thalassemia, offering personalised treatment options.

She mentioned the historical challenge of teaching molecular biology theory without practical components, and how this new ‘lab’ will address that gap. Dr. Maharaj said students will be trained to utilise the ‘lab’ facilities and offer genetic testing services to the community.
McKenzie emphasised that the facility will significantly improve healthcare provision and training, potentially making the college a centre of excellence in genetic studies and molecular biology.
The project is supported by donors, including the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), and has involved collaboration with various stakeholders.

The GGI is a US$100 million (G$20 billion) investment by the Stabroek Block Co-venturers – ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.
Launched in February 2021 and expected to last for 10 years, the initiative is taking a comprehensive strategy to support the country’s development across various sectors.
And this includes programmes focused on building human capacity, advancing education, food security, improving healthcare and promoting sustainable economic development.

Alicia Bess-Anderson, Adviser on the GGI for ExxonMobil Guyana, said that GGI is honoured to contribute to Guyana’s progress, and one key way in which it does so is by partnering with the University of Guyana to support its efforts in advancing development.
She added: “I encourage students and faculty members alike to seize the opportunities these investments bring. These ‘labs’ are not just new facilities.” She described the new facilities as gateways to innovative research that will benefit Guyana for years to come.