Stellenbosch University (SU) has once again excelled at the annual National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards, with multiple accolades reflecting the institution’s commitment to research excellence. Among the distinguished recipients were Prof Richard Cowling, Dr Boitumelo Ramatsetse, Profs Herman Wasserman, and Simon Schaaf, alongside the Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis (TB) Research and the South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA). The awards ceremony took place on 22 August 2024 at Sun City Resort.
The prestigious NRF Awards, which recognize and celebrate South African research excellence, acknowledged Cowling, an extraordinary professor in the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This accolade is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the development of science in South Africa over an extended period. Cowling was honored for his decades-long pioneering work in ecology and conservation, which has had a profound impact both nationally and internationally. His dedication to engaging with community-based conservation organizations and effectively communicating research findings to the public has been a hallmark of his illustrious career.
Dr Boitumelo Ramatsetse from the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering received the Early Career/Emerging Researcher Award. His groundbreaking work on the application of reconfigurable manufacturing systems to develop modular, adaptable technological solutions for the mining and machine manufacturing industries was particularly noted. Ramatsetse’s leadership in multidisciplinary advanced manufacturing research has placed him at the forefront of this field in Africa.
In addition, the Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, which operates across SU, the University of Cape Town, and the University of the Witwatersrand, was awarded the Societal Impact Award. This recognition highlights the Centre’s significant contributions to combating TB through a combination of grassroots clinical investigations and advanced laboratory research. The Centre’s work has been pivotal in the development of accurate diagnostic tools and effective therapies for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), as well as in the mass rollout of TB testing in South Africa and beyond. Its ongoing community outreach efforts continue to play a vital role in TB prevention and treatment.
Profs Herman Wasserman and Simon Schaaf both received A-ratings, a designation that identifies researchers recognized by their peers as leading international scholars for the high quality and impact of their research. Wasserman, from the Department of Journalism, was acknowledged for his extensive work on media and society, media ethics, conflict, geopolitics, and disinformation studies. Meanwhile, Schaaf, affiliated with the Desmond Tutu TB Centre in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, earned his third A-rating for his pioneering research on TB drug resistance in children, the pharmacokinetics of anti-tuberculosis drugs, HIV/TB co-infection, childhood TB diagnosis, TB meningitis, and new treatment strategies. These recognitions further cement SU’s reputation, now boasting 22 A-rated scientists.
Finally, SACEMA was recognized as a finalist in the Societal Impact category. Over the past 18 years, SACEMA has made substantial contributions to the understanding of various infectious diseases, including HIV, TB, human papillomavirus (HPV), measles, polio, and trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). Its groundbreaking research in global HIV modeling and HPV prevention strategies, as well as its role in designing critical studies supporting routine TB surveillance, underscore its influence in the field of epidemiology.
Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate Studies at SU, praised the awardees, stating, “This recognition by the NRF is a significant milestone for Stellenbosch University. It highlights the vital role that cutting-edge research plays in addressing global health challenges and reinforces our commitment to advancing knowledge that benefits society.
