Our Mission


RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) allows for insights into gene expression at high resolution. However, bulk RNA-seq lacks the ability to examine cellular processes and expression patterns on an individual level resolution, which single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) addresses. Despite its advantages, access to scRNA-seq remains limited by high cost, especially in low income settings.

We present Imperator, a web-based platform that aims to deconvolute bulk RNA-seq data into single-cell profiles without requiring user-generated scRNA-seq data. Imperator integrates tools like scSemiProfiler for deconvolution, scType for cell type annotation and Capybara for stem cell differentiation analysis. Designed for ease of use, the platform enables high-resolution analysis with minimal technical expertise to enhance accessibility to single-cell insights, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution. Furthermore, Imperator has the potential for major expansions that could see it branch out into many aspects of transcriptomic research.

With Imperator, we believe that access to cutting-edge transcriptomic insights shouldn't come with an extortionate price tag. Born from a vision to democratize single-cell RNA research, Imperator empowers scientists, clinicians, and students alike to explore the cellular intricacies of life without the financial or technical barriers that traditionally limit access. Our intuitive web-based platform harnesses the power of advanced tools like scSemiProfiler, scType, and Capybara to transform bulk RNA-seq data into detailed single-cell landscapes. There is now a reduced need for costly scRNA-seq datasets or specialised expertise, especially for those who do not have the necessary resources.

Imperator is more than a tool; it's a movement toward equitable, high-resolution biology for all.

Going Forward


We are currently working on many new and exciting functionalities to provide to Imperator's users! Stay tuned for future updates!

Our Team


Team Lead

Gregory C. Thompson

Gregory is the founder and driving force behind Imperator and an affiliate of the Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at the University of Pretoria. His collaborative work with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has encompassed advanced studies in human induced pluripotent stem cell biology. Gregory's current research explores the integration of artificial intelligence approaches to enhance transcriptomic interpretation and bioinformatics innovation.

Team Member 1

Rian Pierneef

Rian is a lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology at University of Pretoria and affiliated with the Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. His research specialises in microbial genomics and metagenomics, focusing on antibiotic resistance gene reservoirs in remote soils, horizontal gene transfer of non-coding RNAs, and environmental microbial community dynamics under changing climatic/anthropogenic pressures.

Team Member 2

Jerolen Naidoo

Jerolen is a principal researcher at the CSIR, an honorary lecturer at the University of Cape Town and an extraordinary lecturer at the University of Pretoria, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Jerolen obtained his PhD from the University of Cape Town with a specialization in cell and molecular biology. His current research focuses on functional precision medicine and advanced cellular models where he co-leads the African Clinical Multiome Atlas Platform (Clin-MAP).

Team Member 3

Fourie Joubert

Fourie obtained his PhD in Biochemistry in 2000. He established the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Unit in 2003, which became the Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Unit in 2014. His main activities are in health genomics, particularly breast cancer, but he is also active in genomics for many other organisms. He is especially involved with high-performance computing at the University of Pretoria.

Team Member 4

Johann Swart

Johann spent many years in the IT industry as a director of a large software development and consulting company, before returning to his first love of academics in 2011. He is the system administrator of the bioinformatics computational cluster and all storage and server systemsm maintaining and installing servers and applications. He has been involved with Unix systems since the 1980’s.