Tuks researchers shine at SA’s ‘Science Oscars’

Three researchers from the University of Pretoria (UP) have been honoured at the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Awards, dubbed South Africa’s “Science Oscars”.

The awards celebrate exceptional contributions to science, engineering, technology (SET) and innovation, and is endorsed by the Department of Science and Innovation.

They are widely acknowledged as South Africa’s premier accolades in public SET and innovation.

Professor Bernard Slippers received the Management Award for fostering scientific excellence through collaborative team efforts.

He holds a professorship in genetics in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, and serves as Director of the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute at UP, as well as of Innovation Africa.

Slippers expressed his gratitude to the forum.

“Scientific achievement is never the outcome of an individual; it’s always a property of the ecosystems in which we work. I have been very privileged over my career to work at the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute at the University of Pretoria, with fantastic colleagues who have helped me and who have created an environment within which I can pursue my dreams and help others to pursue theirs.”

Professor Mike Sathekge, CEO of the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) and Head of the Nuclear Medicine Department at Tuks, received the Innovation Award: Corporate Organisation.

Sathekge and his team were hailed as pioneers for their groundbreaking work at NuMeRI, which seeks to revolutionise medical research and patient care.

NuMeRI offers comprehensive medical imaging and a theragnostics facility, which makes use of imaging technologies and targeted therapies to diagnose and treat diseases like cancer while monitoring patient responses, central to drug development and clinical research.

This integrated model bridges laboratory research with direct patient care.

Tuks radio astronomy professor, Roger Deane, was part of the international team that captured the first image of a black hole.

He was part of a group that received the joint Special Annual Theme Award, the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa for the work being done by the Inter-University Institute for Data- Intensive Astronomy (IDIA), a collaboration among UP, the University of Cape Town and the University of the Western Cape.

The IDIA’s advanced infrastructure enables global collaboration in astronomy, enhancing the ability of researchers to analyse intricate science, engineering and technology data, particularly radio astronomy data, with unparalleled effectiveness.

“Prof Anton Ströh, former vice-principal, Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education, was instrumental in the vision to establish astronomy at UP, and our IDIA membership was a critical step in doing so and enabling all achievements thus far,” said Deane.

Prof Sunil Maharaj, current Vice-Principal of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education, said he was deeply honoured and proud of all recognised UP colleagues.

“We are deeply honoured and proud of our colleagues who have been recognised by the NSTF-South32 Awards, particularly as we prepare for UP Giving Day, part of our campaign to raise R100-million to support students to access quality education,” he said.

Maharaj said these accolades not only honour dedicated researchers, but also underscore the institution’s commitment to advancing science, engineering, technology and innovation for the nation.

“They are an inspiration to the hundreds of students who benefit from the Giving Day campaign, and serve to motivate our donors from around the world.”

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