Prof Tiaan de Jager, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria, was inaugurated as a new member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) at its recent annual awards ceremony. ASSAf members are elected based on two principal criteria: academic excellence and significant contributions to society. Members are drawn from the full spectrum of disciplines. This year, a record-breaking 41 leading scientists were inaugurated.

'It is an honour for me to represent the Faculty of Health Sciences and the University of Pretoria in this capacity.  We need to promote good science at all levels, but also make sure it is translated into policy and practice to the benefit of the community,' Prof De Jager said.

One of the main functions of ASSAf is to recognise and honour the country's most outstanding scholars. New members are elected each year by the current membership. Members are the core asset of the Academy and give their time and expertise voluntarily in the service of society.