Research Secondment at the University of Cape Town
Oskar Neumann spent one month collaborating with the Mechanobiology Lab, training researchers, sharing expertise, and exploring new scientific frontiers
In April 2025, Oskar Neumann had the opportunity to spend a month in the Mechanobiology Lab of Prof. Thomas Franz at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. During his stay, he trained a postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Majah’onkhe Shabangu, in experimenting with the Chiaro Nanoindenter (Optics11 Life) to conduct indentation tests on various biomedical materials. For training purposes and scientific interest, they performed tests on different hydrogels, kindly provided by Prof. Arti Ahluwalia from the Research Center “E. Piaggio” at the University of Pisa. In exchange, Oskar had the chance to present his current research on spherical indentation of porcine and human spinal cord tissue within the research group of the Mechanobiology Lab and during a one-hour seminar talk in front of the Division of Biomedical Engineering. The feedback was very insightful and complemented ongoing work on publications and the development of new experimental protocols.
Furthermore, Oskar was pleased to be invited by Prof. Gasnat Shaboodien (Head of the Cardiovascular Genetics Research Laboratory at UCT) to discuss research on various aspects of zebrafish regeneration. Prof. Shaboodien established the first zebrafish unit at the University of Cape Town, with the aim of using zebrafish to create functional models of cardiomyopathy. Finally, out of scientific interest, Oskar also joined the lab opening party of Prof. Rachael Dangarembizi’s CryptoLab, which is Africa’s first dedicated research group focusing on the neurological impacts of cryptococcal meningitis.
Apart from work, he enjoyed the beautiful nature of Cape Town during various hikes, went surfing in nearby Muizenberg, visited the Cape of Good Hope, and spent his remaining free time in the vineyards of Stellenbosch.
Oskar Neumann, B01
