Wits researcher receives $150 000 Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer grant

Dr Bernard Coetzee of the University of Witwatersrand’s Global Change Institute was announced as the winner of the second annual $150 000 Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer grant.

Selected from a record entry of 217 applications from 26 countries in Africa, Coetzee was awarded at an event hosted by Oppenheimer Generations at Circa Gallery.
The grant provides funding to allow researchers to investigate options and provide evidence to assist with decision making regarding natural resources and encourages practical action to implement innovative solutions at local, regional, and national levels for the benefit of their populations.

The grant aims to support an African-led research programme that has the potential to significantly contribute to the advancement of environmental and allied sciences – specifically to identify and address real-world issues that affect Africa. Coetzee’s research aims to understand the impact of the use of artificial light in Africa and how it may increase vector disease transmission (malaria, zika virus, dengue fever). His research also investigates the impact of artificial light on biodiversity.

This understanding will ensure the promotion of affordable and energy-efficient artificial lighting technologies at the household scale that do not increase human health risks or compromise the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity I have been given to undertake this important research. I look forward to expanding the network across Africa and collaborating in a way that makes our proposed solutions to the benefit, not only for development and growth on the continent but also for the good health and well-being of our people,” said Coetzee

Related Article: 

Orban School rakes in the awards at the 11th National Eisteddfod