Professor Francis Petersen

Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s message

It is hard to believe that it’s already been a year since I stepped into the role of Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the University of Pretoria (UP). What better way to mark this milestone than by celebrating the incredible academics who make UP what it is – dynamic, forward-thinking and deeply impactful.

I am genuinely inspired by the brilliant minds featured on this site. These are people who don’t just push the boundaries of knowledge – they change lives. Through their creativity, collaboration and commitment to solving real-world problems, they are helping to shape a better future.

UP has been charging ahead this year, with plenty to show for it. We climbed to 362nd in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, placing us in the top 1.9% of universities worldwide — definitely something to be proud of. We also landed 26th globally for our international research network, showing just how powerful our collaborations are in tackling global challenges. And here’s another standout moment: UP was ranked No. 1 in South Africa for artificial intelligence research by EduRank. That recognition speaks volumes about the strength of our research community and the growing impact of our AI work – especially in areas like healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience and language technology.

Closer to home, we are proud to be ranked 2nd in South Africa for employer reputation and 3rd for sustainability. These rankings reflect something we care deeply about: preparing students to thrive in a fast-changing world. We are constantly evolving our curriculum to meet the needs of industry and society, and we are championing entrepreneurial thinking to drive progress.

This year also marked a time of renewal for UP. My inauguration in April wasn’t just a formal event, it was a moment to reflect on our mission. In a world grappling with misinformation, division, inequality and climate change, universities like ours must stand strong as places of independent thought and innovation. UP is committed to being part of the solution, through research that matters and leadership that makes a difference.

Looking ahead, we are focused on five big priorities: inclusive excellence, global impact, transdisciplinary platforms such as Future Africa and C4IR South Africa, digital transformation, and deeper community engagement. These aren’t just buzzwords – they are already shaping how we work and what we stand for.

We have had some exciting breakthroughs this year, including:

NuMeRI, a world-first nuclear medicine facility led by Prof Mike Sathekge, set to revolutionise healthcare;
A mobile IVF lab, developed with Belgian partners, bringing fertility care to more people;
The Immersive Technology Lab in EBIT, where virtual and augmented reality are changing how we learn and research;
South Africa’s largest veterinary CT scanner, boosting our clinical research capabilities;
The launch of the Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence on Sustainable Food Systems at Future Africa;
And the Women in Leadership Programme, helping shift the balance in higher education leadership.

We have also been busy building global connections – hosting alumni events in New York and Washington, DC, and launching the UK Friends of UP Foundation. These aren’t just networking opportunities; they are ways to keep our UP community strong and united across borders.

Back home, we are making sure our impact is felt where it matters most. The Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Merit Awards now support 486 of South Africa’s top students. And through initiatives such as SNAPP and the Scholarship Fund, we are helping students who face hunger and financial hardship – because no one should be held back by circumstances beyond their control.

To all our academic achievers: your work puts UP on the map – not just in Africa, but globally. You are helping us stay excellent, relevant, and ready for whatever the future holds.

Thank you for everything you do.

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