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DTSTART:20250101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260203T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260203T190000
DTSTAMP:20251113T124702Z
CREATED:20251104T142005Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T124702Z
UID:1688-1770141600-1770145200@sacac.org.za
SUMMARY:Opto-Cybergenetics for Bioreactor Optimization: Feedback Control of Cellular Function with Light
DESCRIPTION:Venue: University of Pretoria \n \nAbstract: Living cells are dynamic\, adaptive systems — rich in feedback\, noise\, and nonlinear behavior. Opto-cybergenetics is an emerging discipline that merges control theory\, synthetic biology\, and optogenetics to bring such systems under real-time feedback control. By coupling cells to computers through light-based signaling\, we can now measure and modulate gene expression dynamically\, enabling precise and optimal control of biological processes. In this talk\, I will present recent advances in closed-loop optogenetic control for biotechnology. In one example\, feedback regulation of the unfolded protein response in yeast maintained gene expression at near-optimal levels\, resulting in increased protein yields. In another\, dynamic cybergenetic control was used to stabilize and reprogram the composition of bacterial co-cultures in real time. Finally\, I will outline how these ideas extend toward fully autonomous genetic control systems\, where engineered circuits within cells perform their own regulation. Together\, these developments illustrate how opto-cybergenetics is transforming biotechnology into a truly cyber-physical discipline — one where light\, computation\, and living matter are seamlessly integrated through feedback. \nREGISTER NOW\nCo-hosted by SACAC and NITheCS
URL:https://sacac.org.za/event/opto-cybergenetics-for-bioreactor-optimization-feedback-control-of-cellular-function-with-light/
LOCATION:University of Pretoria
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260204T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260204T190000
DTSTAMP:20260203T141449Z
CREATED:20251114T110623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T141449Z
UID:1738-1770228000-1770231600@sacac.org.za
SUMMARY:The Mathematics of Life’s Robustness: Internal Models and Perfect Adaptation in Biological Control
DESCRIPTION:Abstract: Biological systems achieve remarkable robustness: cells maintain homeostasis and adapt precisely to environmental changes despite stochasticity\, delays\, and parametric uncertainty. How do they accomplish this\, and how can we replicate such capabilities in synthetic systems? In this lecture\, I will present a theoretical framework for robust perfect adaptation (RPA) in biomolecular networks\, revealing deep structural parallels between biological regulation and classical control theory. I will introduce a universal internal model principle (IMP) for living systems\, showing how integral feedback and its generalizations emerge naturally as the only architectures capable of achieving kinetics-independent robust perfect adaptation. Using a linear-algebraic characterization of network stoichiometry\, I will identify the necessary and sufficient structural conditions for maximal adaptation in both deterministic and stochastic settings. Beyond theory\, I will discuss synthetic implementations of these principles in living cells\, where engineered integral feedback controllers achieve robust regulation of protein expression and growth. Together\, these results demonstrate that the logic of control—long the foundation of engineered systems—is also the mathematics of life’s stability\, offering a blueprint for designing adaptive\, intelligent biological systems. \nDate: 4 February 2026 \nVenue: The NITheCS seminar room\, Merensky Building\, Entrance 0016\, Merriman Street\, Stellenbosch University \nREGISTER NOW\nCo-hosted by SACAC and NITheCS
URL:https://sacac.org.za/event/the-mathematics-of-lifes-robustness-internal-models-and-perfect-adaptation-in-biological-control/
LOCATION:Stellenbosch University
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260205T130000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260205T140000
DTSTAMP:20260203T141553Z
CREATED:20251104T142744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T141553Z
UID:1694-1770296400-1770300000@sacac.org.za
SUMMARY:Cybergenetics: From Theory to Therapy
DESCRIPTION:Venue: University of Cape Town \n \nAbstract: The ability to program living cells with designed feedback circuits is transforming biotechnology and medicine. Cybergenetics unites control theory and synthetic biology to endow cells with regulatory functions once limited to engineered systems. In this lecture\, I will describe how theoretical insights into feedback and adaptation are being translated into the design and realization of genetic control circuits that operate reliably within the noisy\, nonlinear environment of living cells. I will present examples of synthetic feedback architectures implemented in both bacterial and mammalian systems\, where precise regulation of gene expression enables new levels of performance in cellular homeostasis. Finally\, I will discuss how these same principles are being applied to create therapeutic cells capable of autonomously sensing disease cues and restoring physiological balance. Together\, these advances chart a path from the mathematics of feedback to the engineering of adaptive\, intelligent cell-based therapies. \nDate: 5 February 2026 \nVenue: Chemical Engineering Seminar Room\, Chemical Engineering Building\, Upper Campus\, University of Cape Town \nREGISTER NOW\nCo-hosted by SACAC and CeBER
URL:https://sacac.org.za/event/cybergenetics-from-theory-to-therapy/
LOCATION:University of Cape Town
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260213T090000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260213T120000
DTSTAMP:20260123T085057Z
CREATED:20260122T110306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T085057Z
UID:1754-1770973200-1770984000@sacac.org.za
SUMMARY:SACAC AGM 2026
DESCRIPTION:NOTICE OF THE 2026 SACAC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING\nSACAC cordially invites all Members and Friends to attend the 65th SACAC AGM \nDate: Friday\, 13th of February 2026\nTime: 09h00 – 12h00\nVenue: 54 Bath Ave\, Rosebank\, Johannesburg\, 2196 \nGuest Speaker: Prof Frank Zhu \nMathematical Decomposition for Integrated Planning\, Operation and Control Optimization \n(Click here for Prof Zhu’s Bio.) \nKindly note that this is a hybrid Annual General Meeting. \nClick here to RSVP  \nPlease RSVP by close of business on Friday\, the 9th of January 2026. \nPlease click here to download the nomination form to elect the EXCO for 2026. Written nominations close at 08h00 on the 12th of February 2026. Please email your nomination form to secretariat@sacac.org.za \nWe look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 SACAC AGM.
URL:https://sacac.org.za/event/sacac-agm-2026/
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