Prof Neil John Coville
School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, P O WITS 2050
Phone: 011-717 6738
e-mail: [email protected])

Biography

Neil Coville obtained his B.Sc. (Hons) and M.Sc. degrees at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg, before proceeding to McGill University, Montreal in 1968 where he obtained his Ph.D degree (1973). After post-doctoral work at Harvard University he returned to Wits in 1976. He worked his way through the ranks in the School of Chemistry, from lecturer to Chair of Inorganic Chemistry before becoming an Emeritus Professor. He is still a member of two DST-NRF Centres of Excellence (Catalysis; Strong Materials) and maintains an active research group. His research work is focussed on carbon chemistry – synthesis and applications - and this has led to many studies on the shaping and doping of carbons.  The applications include the use of the carbons as catalysts supports (e.g. in Fischer-Tropsch catalysis) and for use in sensors and solar cells.

Prof Coville has over 420 publications, including 15 reviews. There are ca 12 students (MSc/PhD) in his research group which has produced over 110 completed degrees.

AWARDS (recent):

1994   AECI Gold Medal (SACI)   
1997   SACI Gold Medal
1998   FRSSA    
1999   Mischa-Mrost (SACI)
2002   Merck Medal (SACI)
2005   Vice Chancellors research award
2005   NSTF award      
2007   CATSA Lifetime Achievement Award
2010   Merck Medal (SACI)
2013   Champion of Research Capacity Development at SA HEIs
2015   Merck Medal (SACI)