Prof Adrino Mazenda, Associate Professor in the School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) in the University of Pretoria’s (UP’s) Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS), has added another feather to his cap of accomplishments. This time, as a recipient of UP’s Exceptional Young Researchers Award.

This prestigious award is bestowed on young researchers who have not yet attained full professorship and who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in research, thereby advancing the University’s academic excellence.

Prof Mazenda holds a Y2 National Research Foundation rating. His research on food security seeks to generate evidence-based knowledge, inform policy and programming decisions, and contribute to developing comprehensive and sustainable solutions to hunger and poverty.

An award-winning researcher, Prof Mazenda already boasts a growing list of accolades. In 2021 and 2022, he was awarded the EMS Best Junior Researcher Award, recognising his contribution to research outputs. For his contribution to public discourse and promoting his research through media engagements, he was awarded the EMS 2022 Junior Newsmaker of the Year Award and the EMS Conversation Africa Award.

In her nomination, Prof Gerda van Dijk, Director of SPMA, said that Prof Mazenda has been brimming with potential as an emerging researcher, demonstrating consistent excellence in his research outputs.

“Prof Mazenda's unwavering commitment to advancing the frontiers of knowledge through his research efforts has been truly exemplary. His consistent pursuit of excellence, innovative thinking, and substantial contributions to research initiatives have significantly elevated the quality and impact of his work. His passion, perseverance, and dedication align perfectly with the values this award represents, and I am confident that he will continue to contribute significantly to the advancement of our field,” said Prof Van Dijk.

Expressing his delight at the award, Prof Mazenda said he is grateful for the support of the SPMA and Faculty of EMS in nurturing the potential young researchers.

“This award recognises hard work, dedication, and contribution to research. It is a testament to the efforts made by the SPMA as well as the EMS Faculty in developing early- and mid-career academic research,” he said.

Prof Mazenda believes this award, along with previous recognitions, will continue to motivate him to reach higher milestones in his research career. He views this honour as a gateway to more opportunities for collaboration, funding, and career advancement in the research fraternity.

As an academic with a curious mind, he finds great gratification in the opportunities for intellectual exploration, mentorship, impact, and contribution to knowledge and society that academia affords. He aspires to use his research expertise and skills to conduct rigorous and impactful research to influence policy decisions and implementation strategies that will address critical issues related to food security and sustainable livelihoods.

“To further hone my skills, I wish to foster collaborative partnerships with various local and international stakeholders to leverage resources, and networks for collective impact. Through these collaborations, my research and skills, I intend to contribute to capacity-building initiatives and mentorship programmes to empower emerging academics,” he says.

Prof Mazenda will be presented with the Exceptional Young Researchers Award at the annual UP Academic Achievers Awards later in the year.