UP Researchers Win Big at Science Awards

Researchers from the University of Pretoria (UP) achieved remarkable success at the prestigious National Science and Technology Forum-South32 Awards, often referred to as South Africa’s “Science Oscars,” by winning five major honors.

The awards, supported by the Department of Science and Innovation, celebrate excellence in science, engineering, technology, and innovation. Among the recipients, Professor Lise Korsten received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her pioneering work in food safety and plant health, while Dr Els Vermeulen and the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit were honored for their groundbreaking whale monitoring program.

Professor Namrita Lall received the Innovation Award for developing pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals from medicinal plants, and Professor Ryan Blumenthal received the Communication Award for making forensic science accessible to the public. Additionally, the Vehicle Dynamics Group, led by Professor Pieter Schalk Els, received the Engineering Research Capacity Development Award for advancing vehicle technology and training future engineers.

UP leaders praised the recognition as a testament to the institution’s research excellence and its commitment to inspiring future generations.