Wits researchers celebrated during NRF awards

The awards celebrate leading researchers in their respective fields based on peer evaluation and according to international best practice. The work of these researchers is assessed for, among other things, their contribution to the field of study focusing on quality and impact.

Special National Research Foundation awards were presented to the following people:

Professor Hoosen Coovadia of Wits and the University of KwaZulu-Natal received an NRF Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognises the lifelong research achievements of individuals together with their impact on society.

Professor Fazal Mahomed received the Champion of Research Capacity Development at South African Higher Education Institutions Award, which recognises an individual’s efforts in helping nurture the next generation of talented researchers and the impact of research outputs of the students.

Professor Lee Berger’s Rising Star Expedition Team won the Science Team Award for work that has had a positive impact in its field and contributed significantly to raising the profile of South African research.

The NRF awards also honour A-rated researchers who have been recognised by their peers as leading international scholars, as well as P-rated researchers – young scientists who are considered to be future leaders in their fields based on their published doctoral work and/or research outputs.

Dr Jonah Choiniere was officially presented with his P-rating, making him only the second paleontologist ever to be awarded a P-rating by the NRF.

Director of Research Development at Wits University, Dr Robin Drennan, said, “Wits staff and students are proud of these wonderful achievements and thank the individuals concerned for showing the way ahead in achieving excellence in research.”