PRESS STATEMENT — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Floret Center and SVPUA&T Launch International Collaboration in Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Life Sciences Research
Lagos, Nigeria — 12 March 2026
The Floret Center for Advanced Genomics and Bioinformatics Research (Nigeria) and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUA&T), India, have formally launched a strategic partnership aimed at advancing collaborative research, training, and capacity development in genomics and computational life sciences.
The collaboration was marked during a virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony attended by academic leadership, faculty members, and researchers from both institutions. The Vice-Chancellor of SVPUA&T, Dr. Triveni Dutt, was present at the event alongside senior representatives from both institutions.
The partnership seeks to combine the complementary strengths of the two institutions. The Floret Center brings expertise in bioinformatics, computational biology, and genomic data analysis, while SVPUA&T contributes strong capabilities in agricultural sciences, biotechnology, and laboratory-based research.
“Addressing many of today’s complex challenges in agriculture, health, and biotechnology requires collaborative approaches that integrate diverse scientific expertise. By bringing together computational genomics and laboratory-based research, this partnership creates new opportunities for innovation and capacity building across our institutions.”
— Dr. Olabisi Flora Davies-Bolorunduro, Executive Director, Floret Center
Key Areas of Collaboration
The collaboration is expected to focus on several key areas, including:
- Joint research initiatives in genomics, biotechnology, and life sciences
- Capacity-building programmes in bioinformatics and computational biology
- Faculty and researcher exchanges between both institutions
- Development of joint grant proposals and international research partnerships
- Knowledge and resource sharing to support interdisciplinary research
Strengthening South–South Scientific Collaboration
The partnership reflects the growing importance of South–South scientific cooperation, bringing together expertise from Africa and Asia to address shared scientific and societal challenges. By combining computational genomics expertise with strong laboratory and agricultural research capabilities, the collaboration aims to foster knowledge exchange, comparative research, and innovation that can benefit both regions.
During earlier discussions between faculty members of both institutions, opportunities were also explored for collaboration in emerging academic programmes. SVPUA&T announced plans to launch new postgraduate and doctoral programmes in Bioinformatics beginning in July 2026. Potential areas of cooperation include curriculum development, adjunct faculty participation, and student exchange opportunities.
About the Floret Center
The Floret Center for Advanced Genomics and Bioinformatics Research is a Nigerian-based independent not-for-profit research and training institute dedicated to advancing genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology. The Center focuses on scientific capacity building, collaborative research, and training programmes such as the Floret Emerging Scientists (Graduate) Internship Program (FESIP), supporting the development of the next generation of scientists working at the intersection of biology and data science.
Management
Floret Center for Advanced Genomics & Bioinformatics Research
Advancing genomics, bioinformatics, and translational health research for a healthier, more equitable future.