Edition 3, 2008

  MENU                            Dean's Introduction                                           Dean's Introduction Editor's Desktop ACADEMIC US Advisor
Three Workshops
Training Strengthened
Brainy Talk
Statistics
NSTF Winner Talks
RESEARCH

Disaster Centre
Food Investigators
Science Bursaries
African Killer
Tradition and Culture
Agriculture Women
French Botanist COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Open Skies
Student Project
Bright Sparks
GreenUP
Mamelodi Upgraded
Techno X
Growing Minds PERSONNEL/ STUDENTS

Excellence Awards
Magic Bullets
Water Award
Zoologist Awarded
Food Scientist
Exceptional Woman
Women in Science   Editor: Phindiwe Nkosi Tel: 012 420 5498 E-mail: P[email protected]           The celebrations of a hundred years of excellence came and left. The standards were pitched high and a Legacy was left for all of us to uphold. I am pleased at the dedication and institutional pride that I have seen from affiliates of this Faculty throughout this memorable year. When one reaches the end of such a year, it is crucial to sit and reflect upon the future. As we embark on the new era, a new Century to come, it is of the outmost importance to set new benchmarks and competitively reassess our strides ahead. To the Faculty staff, students and affiliates – you have played a huge role in making this science Faculty to be one of the best in South Africa and one which has grown in international stature over the years. International collaborations grew in stature and included touching base with a key international government advisor, Dr Ronald Atlas as well as the “brain expert” Mr Tony Buzan. It is impressive to note that the Faculty has retained its position of also being relevant to the African continent. The establishment of the Aon Benfield Natural Hazard Centre, Africa is evident to the key role this institution plays in the lives of fellow Africans and industry. Women empowerment was upheld, especially in the much needed field of agricultural research. Two of our women academics were prize recipients of the esteemed DST South African Women in Science Awards 2008. Prof Brenda Wingfield and Dr Wanda Markotter were awarded by the Honorable Minister of Science and Technology, Mosibudi Mangena. Community engagement retained its elevated focus. The establishment of the R2.5 million facility at Mamelodi campus is just one of the many tangible differences that the institution has been part of. The US Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Eric Bost and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, Prof Calie Pistorius attended the launch of the Mae Jemison US Reading Room – a facility which came into being as a result of collaboration between the University of Pretoria and the United States Embassy in Pretoria. I would also like to use this platform to once again thank the University’s management for the encouragement and support they have shown throughout this year. On behalf of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, we truly appreciate and value your commitment to excellence. Lastly, but certainly not least, I know I cannot fully capture the texture of your daily commitment to research, teaching and learning in its entirety, but I want to personally thank each and every one of you. Beyond the international recognitions, esteemed awards and research expeditions, is the heart of this magnificent institution and Faculty. Thank you for helping to keep this heart beating strong in this Century and the next. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and happy holidays! Regards, Prof Anton Ströh  
FACULTY DEAN: Prof Anton Ströh               Editor's Desktop                       As we stepped into the beginning of this year – we had many unknowns other than the Century of excellence on our record. Like any good book, the year had many surprises, celebrations, aspirations and unforeseeable plots. It would be injustice to describe the happenings of such a historic year as a mere page-turner, but rather as one that kept us actively engaged and intensely involved. United, we entered this year full of expectations and with enormous institutional pride. It was a year wherein distinguished alumni, present students, staff and affiliates held up the burning baton that stood the test of a Century. It was also a year wherein preparations were made and strategic moves were implemented to strive higher and go further in the Century for future generations to come. It has been a historic year in every way. It was a year of departure from the old towards a future of even higher benchmarks. The Faculty stood tall with regard to academics, research and community engagements to remain relevantly competitive within our immediate community, country and within the global community. Once again, I thank you for taking time to read this publication and for your contributions. It attempts to showcase just a flicker of the overall achievements and endeavors undertaken within this leading science Faculty. I look forward to interacting with you next year, attending your functions and most of all, just being a little part of this big and refreshing institution. Warm Festive greetings,