Gauteng universities scoop 10 accolades at annual NRF awards
AUCKLAND PARK – UJ, Wits and the University of Pretoria walked away with a combined 10 awards at the NRF Annual Award Ceremony.
University of Johannesburg (UJ) and University of Witwatersrand (WITS) are among the top academic institutions in Gauteng.
Both universities walked away with a combined 10 awards at the National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards.
The NRF awards sponsored by Elsevier and Thomson Reuters were held in Durban on 27 August and presented by the Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor and NRF’s acting chief executive, Dr Beverley Damonse.
Among other universities to scoop an accolade was the University of Pretoria.
UJ collected three A-rating awards while Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, vice-chancellor of research and innovation was honoured with the Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation at SA Higher Education Institutions special award.
He was awarded for his leadership and the role he played as an advocate for increased transformation of South Africa’s science community and landscape.
Professor Marcus Byrne of the Wits School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, received the award for Excellence in Science Engagement.
“The aim of the award is to encourage academics, while working in their fields, to also contribute substantially and be committed to enhancing the public’s awareness and engagement with science, technology and innovation,” said NRF Media and Stakeholder relations officer Palesa Mokoena
“Three other academics from Wits received A-rating awards while the University of Pretoria obtained four A-rating awards,” concluded Mokoena.
Details: NRF 012 481 4058.
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