IDM Directorate: Operations

Driving Research Through Operational Excellence

The IDM Operations Team plays a pivotal role in supporting the Institute's scientific mission by ensuring that infrastructure, facilities, biosafety protocols, and research platforms operate at the highest standards. Led by Selisha Naidoo (Health & Safety, Biosafety, BSL3 & Facilities Manager), the team includes Rayaana Fredericks (Operations Manager), Fadwah Booley (Chief Technical Officer), and Fiona Mulaudzi (Technical Officer).

Working across 56 research laboratories and 8 Core Technology Platforms, the team ensures operational efficiency, health and safety compliance, infrastructure development, and biosafety standards essential for cutting-edge research.

Key Areas of Focus

Health & Safety and Biosafety
The team ensures full compliance with national and international biosafety and biosecurity regulations. Under the leadership of the IDM Health & Safety Committee (chaired by Prof. Reto Guler), the team conducts regular audits, maintains the IDM Safety Manual, and actively engages in initiatives such as Biosafety Awareness Month.

Facilities Management
With oversight of all IDM infrastructure, the team completed 11 major projects in 2024. These include:

Commissioning of the Microbial Interactions Lab (MIL) for microbiome research
Launch of a dedicated Wellness Room for staff well-being
Redesign of SATVI offices and conversion of office space to a BSL2 lab for MB&I
HVAC upgrades for the Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform
Installation of a biosecure anteroom for the Vaccinology Research Facility
Enhancements to the biobanking facility, restroom upgrades, and a new IDM reception
Ongoing solar PV installation supporting sustainability goals

Core Technology Platform Support
The team manages high-containment and specialised research spaces like the BSL3 Core Facility, a state-of-the-art platform supporting TB and infectious disease research. With 47 active users in 2024, the facility expanded capabilities with new instrumentation and was the first high-containment lab in Africa to register for My Green Lab Certification.

Operations Oversight
The Operations and Laboratory Management (OLM) Committee, chaired by Fredericks, meets regularly to coordinate infrastructure, maintenance, and resource planning. In 2024, 449 maintenance requests were managed, with a 94% completion rate.