The Centre for Biomedical and Biomaterials research (CBBR) was proclaimed as Centre of Excellence (CoE) by the African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI) on 24 October 2011 at the 4th ANDI Stakeholders and Donors Meeting in Addis Ababa. 
The focus of CBBR is on the health and medical sector. The Research centre will look into more ambitious research problems, pertinent issues that are crucial as Mauritius aims at becoming a medical hub. This major milestone in the history of the University was announced at a press conference held by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Konrad Morgan, on 17 November 2011.
Prof Morgan said that “this international success is a momentous occasion not only for the University but also for the country, proof that the UoM is dedicated to serve the country and its development”. Adding to the congratulation note of the VC to the CBBR team, led by Prof Dhanjay Jhurry, for bringing such a distinction to the University, Prof Soodursun Jugessur, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Council, stressed on the team spirit that was behind the project and which led to this historical achievement. Prof Jhurry, National Research Chair and Professor of Chemistry at the Faculty of Science, is the Head of the Centre for Biomedical and Biomaterials research.
The ANDI has been established to ‘promote and sustain African-led health product innovation to address African’s public health needs through efficient use of local knowledge, assembly of research networks, and building of capacity to support economic development’. Last year, the Centre for Biomedical and Biomaterials research responded to a call by ANDI which sought to establish 
Centres of Excellence across the African continent. After 18 months of rigorous peer-review and selection process, the CBBR has been recognized as Centre of Excellence among 32 other CoEs. It is the only Research centre declared in the Indian Ocean and is among seven other universities where CoEs have been established by ANDI. The Research centre was set-up from grass-root level by University researchers in 2010.
Research at crossroads
Greatest scientific discoveries and major innovations often result from multidisciplinary collaboration. The CBBR therefore pools together researchers in fields such as Biosciences, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical to address and respond to research with a holistic approach. “Researchers and students working under CBBR are presently scattered throughout the University but will shortly be grouped under one roof” said Prof Jhurry. The onus now rests on University researchers to join hands to carry out their research.
From research to commercialization
Research conducted by the CBBR can contribute to the development of new biomaterials to be used and adapted for medical purposes in the health sector, for instance, in transplant of organs, growth of tissues and cells in labs, drug delivery systems, Nanopharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceuticals, Genomics & Proteomics and design of medical equipments among others.
Public and Private sector collaboration
The Ministry of Tertiary Education and the Tertiary Education Commission have injected seed money to the tune of Rs 4,460,000 for the centre to launch its activities. Now, the support and financial assistance of the private sector to the CBBR is eagerly awaited. As says Prof Jhurry: “this is a win-win process as the CBBR can also partner with local hospitals, clinics and pharmaceutical companies to bring innovation in the health sector”.
How can CBBR help Mauritius
With the help of foreign collaborators, the Centre for Biomedical and Biomaterials research will spearhead medical and pharmaceutical research locally. The ANDI network can obviously help the Research centre to better address local problems. CBBR will also assist in high-level training with the help of foreign expertise and with proper financing, will surely become a major incentive for young graduates and PhD students to fully embrace research. This centre can also help promote the image of the island as a developing nation by fostering innovation through the development of indigenous products and concurrently encourage investors in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors by providing local expertise. Through this initiative, the CBBR team seeks to boost both the medical and knowledge hub in the country.
CBBR Research Thrusts:
1. Polymers in Medicine and Polymer Therapeutics: biomaterials and drug delivery
- Developing tailor-made biodegradable/bioresorbable polymers for use as medical devices such as implants, cardiac valves, stents, wound dressings; develop polymer-based scaffolds for tissue engineering.
- Elaborating novel self-assembled polymers in the nanometre size range for applications in the pharmaceutical area and more precisely as controlled drug release devices targeting cancer and infectious diseases (TB, malaria, etc).
2. Development of value-added materials from locally available resource
Development of advanced biotechnological processes for the transformation of sugar-cane to value added chemicals for various applications including the energy sector. Exploitation of marine seaweeds and algae (micro and macro)
3. Dietary Biofactors and Herbal Medicine research programme
Evaluation of plant based foods/beverages and other relevant medicinal/endemic plants using a multidisciplinary approach that includes basic research and clinical intervention trials to determine their health promoting and disease management potentials. Study the biological activity and molecular mechanisms of action involved in the prevention of certain important disease conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
More info on http://vcampus.uom.ac.mu/cbbr/
