2021 NRF Awards Honour and Celebrate South Africa’s Top Researchers and Scientists
On the 2nd of November 2021, the National Research Foundation (NRF) hosted the prestigious celebration of South African research excellence; the NRF Awards.
The annual NRF Awards recognise recent outstanding achievements made by individuals and teams whose excellence has significantly advanced science for the benefit of society. Their internationally competitive work is assessed for, among other things, the contribution to the field of study focusing on quality and impact. One of the objectives of the awards is to encourage the continued culture of advancing South Africa’s scientific knowledge and technological innovation by rewarding those that make use of research for the advancement and betterment of humanity.
In her welcome address, Dr Nompumelelo Obokoh, Chairperson of the NRF Board said, “Amidst the despair and grief brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic are also many stories of selflessness, kindness and courage that continue to restore our faith in humanity and inspire us to dream of a better tomorrow. Even during this turbulent time, our researchers have continued to nurture the country’s knowledge economy in many other scientific fields as well.”
This year the NRF hosted a hybrid event with limited inperson guests in Pretoria and live-streamed to more than 500 virtual attendees. The ceremony celebrated 68 awardees across 10 categories.
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande graced the ceremony virtually to congratulate the awardees. “To illustrate our continued commitment to science, technology and innovation, the Department of Science and Innovation has developed a new policy framework on Science and Technology. The Decadal Plan on Science, Technology and Innovation will serve as an initial 10-year implementation plan from 2020-2030. To practically demonstrate our capacity as a government working together with the National System of Innovation, we have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in line with the vision of the Decadal Plan. Our researchers committed their expertise and resources to developing solutions to the pandemic and monitoring its impact locally, but also contributing to the global body of knowledge”.
In his closing remarks, NRF Chief Executive Officer Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo also reflected on the progress made by scientists over the past few months: “The increasing challenges faced due to the COVID-19 outbreak as well as other societal challenges have not only underscored the importance of research in society, but also shone a very bright light on the ability of our scientists, both established and those just starting out on their research paths, to rise to the occasion. We have seen sterling work in a broad spectrum of areas including vaccine research, the development of diagnostics, monitoring and modelling of the spread of the pandemic, health policy research and science advocacy as well as improved opportunities for public engagement with science. In closing, a reminder to ourselves that Science remains the key to a reimagined, innovative future. Let us continue to do worthwhile work by advancing knowledge, transforming lives and inspiring a nation!”
The awards were presented as follows:
- Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers
2020
Dr Nkositetile Raphael Biata, Department of Chemical Sciences at the University of Johannesburg
Dr Alexandré Delport, School of Life Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
2021
Dr Takudzwa Madzivanzira, Ichthyology and Fisheries Sciences at the NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
Dr Neelakshi Mungra, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Cape Town
Mr Emmanuel Tetteh, Department of Chemical Engineering at the Durban University of Technology
- Research Excellence Award for Early Career/Emerging Researchers
2020
Dr Moses Basitere, Department of Chemical Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Dr Phiwayinkosi Vusi Dludla from the South African Medical Research Council
Professor Pragashnie Govender, School of Health Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
Dr Tebogo Pilgrene Mashifana, Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Johannesburg
Professor Christopher Ouma, Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Cape Town
2021
Professor Oluwafemi Adebo, Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology at the University of Johannesburg
Professor Shanade Barnabas, Department of Communication and Media at the University of Johannesburg
Dr Isobel Brink, Department of Civil Engineering at the Stellenbosch University
Professor Ntanganedzeni Mapholi, Department of Agriculture and Animal Health at the University of South Africa
Professor Nnamdi Nwulu, Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering Science at the University of Johannesburg
Professor Moses Phooko, Department of Private Law at the University of Johannesburg
- P-Rated Researchers:
2020
Dr Steven Hussey, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria
Dr Michelle Lochner, Department of Cosmology, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, University of the Western Cape
2021
Dr Matteo Grilli, International Studies Group, University of the Free State
Dr Ryan Nefdt, Department of Philosophy, University of Cape Town
Dr Robert Skelton, Fynbos Node, NRF-South African Environmental Observation Network
Dr Nicholas Spaull, Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University
Dr Rosalie Tostevin, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town
Dr Christopher Trisos, African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town
- Public Engagement with Research Award 2020/21
Professor Liesl Zühlke (2020), Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Cape Town
Professor Rachel Wynberg (2021), Department of Environmental and Geographical Science at the
University of Cape Town
- Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation at South African Higher Education Institutions Award 2020/21
Professor Emmanuel Iwuoha (2020), Department of Chemistry at the University of the Western Cape
Professor Sabiha Essack (2021), Anti-Microbial Research Unit at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Hamilton Naki Award 2020/21
Professor Sharon Prince, Department of Human Biology at the University of Cape Town
- NRF Excelleration Award for South African Research Institutions 2020/21
Mangosuthu University of Technology
- Science Team Award 2020
The Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability (IDEAS) Team at the University of South Africa
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Professor Linda Richter, University of the Witwatersrand
- A-Rated Researchers:
| Name | Designation | Institution |
| 2020 | ||
| Professor Willem Boshoff 1ST A-RATING | Department of Fine Arts | University of the Free State |
| Professor Colin Chapman 1ST A-RATING | School of Life Sciences | University of KwaZulu-Natal |
| Professor Dieter Heiss 1ST A-RATING | Department of Physics | Stellenbosch University |
| Professor Elmi Muller 1ST A-RATING | Dean: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences | Stellenbosch University |
| Professor James Ogude 1ST A-RATING | Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship | University of Pretoria |
| Professor Mario Santos 1ST A-RATING | Department of Physics and Astronomy | University of the Western Cape |
| Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim 2ND A-RATING | Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa | University of KwaZulu-Natal |
| Professor Fernando Albericio 2ND A-RATING | School of Chemistry and Physics | University of KwaZulu-Natal |
| Professor Tebello Nyokong 2ND A-RATING | Department of Chemistry | Rhodes University |
| Professor Brenda Wingfield 2ND A-RATING | Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology | University of Pretoria |
| Professor Cornelius van der Merwe 3RD A-RATING | Department of Private Law | Stellenbosch University |
| 2021 | ||
| Professor Oonsie Biggs 1ST A-RATING | Centre for Complex Systems in Transition | Stellenbosch University |
| Professor Michael Bruford 1ST A-RATING | Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology | University of Pretoria |
| Professor Michael Claeys 1ST A-RATING | Department of Chemical Engineering | University of Cape Town |
| Professor Kevin Durrheim 1ST A-RATING | School of Applied Human Sciences | University of KwaZulu-Natal |
| Professor Crain Soudien 1ST A-RATING | Former Chief Executive Officer | Human Sciences Research Council |
| Professor Giona Tuccini 1ST A-RATING | School of Languages and Literature | University of Cape Town |
| Professor Romeel Davé 2ND A-RATING | Department of Physics and Astrophysics | University of the Western Cape |
| Professor Andries Engelbrecht 2ND A-RATING | Department of Industrial Engineering / Department of Computer Science | Stellenbosch University |
| Professor Maxim Finkelstein 2ND A-RATING | Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science | University of the Free State |
| Professor Christopher Henshilwood 2ND A-RATING | Evolutionary Studies Institute | University of the Witwatersrand |
| Professor Donald Kurtz 2ND A-RATING | Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences | North-West University |
| Professor Bruce Rubidge 2ND A-RATING | Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences | University of the Witwatersrand |
| Professor Roger Smith 2ND A-RATING | Department of Geological Sciences | Iziko Museums of South Africa |
| Professor Yves van de Peer 2ND A-RATING | Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology | University of Pretoria |
| Professor Melanie Walker 2ND A-RATING | SARChI Chair in Higher Education and Human Development Research | University of the Free State |
| Professor Robert Wilkinson 2ND A-RATING | Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine | University of Cape Town |
| Professor Jill Farrant 3RD A-RATING | Department of Molecular and Cell Biology | University of Cape Town |
| Professor Michael Henning 3RD A-RATING | Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics | University of Johannesburg |
| Professor Steven Johnson 3RD A-RATING | School of Life Sciences | University of KwaZulu-Natal |
| Professor Rajend Mesthrie 3RD A-RATING | School of African and Gender Studies, Anthropology and Linguistics | University of Cape Town |
| Professor Bob Scholes 3RD A-RATING | Global Change and Sustainability Research Institute | University of the Witwatersrand |
| Professor Mark Solms 3RD A-RATING | Department of Psychology | University of Cape Town |
| Professor Johannes van Oort 3RD A-RATING | Department of Systematic and Historical Theology | University of Pretoria |
| Professor Charles van Onselen 4TH A-RATING | Institute for the Advancement of Scholarship | University of Pretoria |
| Professor Richard Cowling 5TH A-RATING | School of Environmental Sciences | Nelson Mandela University |
| Professor Jean Cleymans 8TH A-RATING | Department of Physics | University of Cape Town |
Note: For further details on the 2021 NRF Awards, please click here.
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Candice Molefe
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