The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of two exceptional researchers who were honoured at this year’s esteemed 2023 National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards Ceremony. This annual event casts a spotlight on exceptional research that have a significant impact on our society.

The prestigious 2023 NRF Awards excitement took place on 31 August 2023, at the Capital Zimbali Resort in Balito, KwaZulu Natal. Amidst a room filled with applause, the names of Prof Ryan Blumenthal and Prof Mavis Mulaudzi were announced, marking their victorious achievement.

The winner: Prof Ryan Blumenthal: Public Engagement with Research Award winner 

Prof Blumenthal, a leader in communication science, clinched the Public Engagement with Research Award for excellence in communicating research to the public. As a Senior Specialist Forensic Pathologist and Associate Professor within the University of Pretoria’s Department of Forensic Medicine, Prof Blumenthal has played a pivotal role in advancing keraunopathology, specializing in the pathology of trauma arising from lightning strikes. His substantial body of work, comprising numerous articles and textbooks on lightning and electrothermal injuries, has been instrumental in establishing global benchmarks for procedures related to fatalities caused by lightning and electrocution. Beyond this, Prof Blumenthal's contributions extend to the domains of forensic pathology and suicide-focused research, all unified by the common goal of promoting awareness and understanding through diverse communication platforms.

The winner: Prof Mavis Mulaudzi: Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation Award  recipient  

Prof Mulaudzi, walked away with the Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation Award. This accolade acknowledges her role in shaping the next generation of researchers and her efforts in promoting diversity within the scientific community. As a Professor and the SARChI Chair in Ubuntu Community Model of Nursing, Prof Mulaudzi’s exceptional dedication underscores her commitment to fostering transformation and inclusivity in the field of nursing. Her research, deeply rooted in Ubuntu philosophy, advocates for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to nursing practices not just within South Africa but across the continent. Her unique methodology involves community engagement via participatory action research, addressing critical issues such as maternal and child-nursing care, HIV-related concerns, indigenous knowledge systems, mental health, and transdisciplinary research. She served as the Head of the Department of Nursing Science in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria for ten years.

Among the distinguished recipients, Prof Mulaudzi and Prof Blumenthal were joined by two University of Pretoria researchers, forming a quartet of excellence that garnered NRF recognition. Notably, Prof Juergen Richt stood tall with the NRF CEO’s Special Recognition Award for A Rating, underscoring his standing as an eminent international scholar, fostering the next generation of researchers. Similarly, Mr. Bertus van Heerden received the Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers, recognizing his extraordinary contributions in the field of veterinary microbiology.

From left to right: Prof Ryan Blumenthal, Prof Mavis Mulaudzi, Bertus van Heerden joined by Prof Sunil Maharaj (UP Vice-Principal: Research, Innovation and Prograduate Education 

These accolades underscore the remarkable dedication and contributions of University of Pretoria researchers, solidifying their role in advancing knowledge and driving positive change within society.