UP study shows 81% of Grade 4 learners in SA have reading difficulties

Posted on May 16, 2023

The South African portion of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study 2021 conducted by UP has found that 81% of South African Grade 4 learners are struggling to read for comprehension at age 10.

UP scientists contribute to a key global study on the effects of grazing in deserts

Posted on December 05, 2022

Two University of Pretoria scientists have contributed to the first-ever global field assessment of the ecological impacts of grazing in drylands.

Making light work: UP chemists pave the way towards an ultra-sensitive analytical instrument that can detect water pollutants

Posted on June 27, 2022

A UP-led team is using the momentum of light to trap particles. This optical trap has been used with collaborators to demonstrate a hidden property in light that remains unchanged even when it passes through turbulence.

WWF and UP team up to keep watch on southern right whales

Posted on March 01, 2022

UP’s Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit and WWF South Africa are teaming up to support research on southern right whales in response to warming oceans and changes to ocean processes which are affecting the number of whales visiting SA's shores.

South African bats are losing their trees, UP research shows

Posted on December 18, 2021

Research at UP is looking at how tree harvesting is causing the destruction of natural habitat, bringing wild animals like bats into closer contact with humans than ever before and leading to increased risk of new zoonotic diseases.